What's more important, what God is doing in me or what I'm doing for God?

Often this question comes up only because we're too wrapped up in the tyranny of "doing for God" (pursuing our mission) at the cost of spending quiet time with Him (remembering our identity.)  A religiously busy life works to pull us away from quiet times of introspection and meditation ultimately leading us to neglect our spiritual and emotional well-being.  In addition to disconnecting us from God, this pattern if unchecked will also eventually bring other important relationships to ruin.   

Yet, the answer isn't what some rush to embrace by choosing to swing the pendulum in the opposite direction until all of life is about an inward spiritual focus.  Discipleship isn't exclusively about internal behaviors, decisions, attitudes, and values.  Discipleship requires obedience to the voice of Jesus.  So, neglecting God's calling to serve is just as sinful as ignoring his invitations to communion.  

It's important to remember that our identity is as children of God only because of His grace and that our mission/calling is separate but equally important.  Who we are isn't defined by what we do, but what we do does flow out of who we are.  Just like Israel in the Old Covenant, the church is a nation called to be God's chosen and holy people, separating themselves from the peoples around them (identity).  However, we also were given an assignment (mission.)  Our assignment isn't to find and conquer a promised land, but instead we're to use our gifts to help others know and follow Jesus.

In 2015 let's commit to spend quiet time with God each day reconnecting with the truth of our identity as forgiven and loved children of God.  Then, as God seems to be guiding you can choose to lead a ministry or program or some other type of God-given initiative that is seeking to make disciples, or you can employ your gifts on the team of a spiritual leader who is serious about the Christian mission.

1 Peter 2:9, 10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.