[Click this link of Do-Be-Do-Be-Do like Jesus PDF for PDF Version of Visual]
Christian Character
Character Essence | Be like Jesus |
Character Expression | Do like Jesus |
The Bible is robust with depth and details, yet has understandable and actionable essentials. Christians who lives are following Jesus encompass two basic character principles: (1) Who we are striving to Be like in essence and (2) How that is expressed in what we Do. The Bible can be summarized in these 7 words “Do-Be-Do-Be-Do like Jesus” or the similar “Be-Do-Be-Do-Be like Jesus”.
3 John 1:11 (ESV): 11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
John 8:43-44 (ESV): 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me.
Christian Works & Faith
Be like Jesus | Puts Faith in Jesus as Primary |
Do like Jesus | Works Express / Showcase Underlying Faith in Jesus |
The journey to Be like Jesus starts with seeking first the Kingdom of God and its’ righteousness, which is achieved through Faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Life’s circumstances challenge each of us with what to do and omit doing, both of which encompasses doing Works like Jesus.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
James 2:18-26 (ESV): 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
Heart & Mind Visuals
Heart like Jesus | Be like Jesus in Your Characters’ Essence |
Mind like Jesus | Direct Your Thought-Life on God’s Word to Be like Jesus |
The Heart Visual symbolizes the essence of our individual character, expressing who we are at the core, and our underlying motivations & desires. The Brain Visual symbolizes the dedication of our thoughts to think upon God’s Word and what is good and pure.
1 Timothy 1:5 (ESV): The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
James 3:16-18 (ESV): 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
John 7:37-39 (ESV): 37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Hands & Feet Visuals
Hands like Jesus | Do like Jesus to help people where you & they find yourselves in life |
Feet like Jesus | Do like Jesus to Go where God wants you to be, where you can help people, leveraging prior travels / experiences |
The Hands Visual symbolizes helping people where we are. The Feet Visual symbolizes going to where others are to help them there, going where God wants us to be, and the prior experiences / travels which enable us to help others our more. Together, the Hand & Feet Visual symbolizes doing what God instructs us to do.
Ephesians 6:10-20 (ESV): 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Bible Scriptures Purpose
Learn Scriptures to be like Jesus | Learn Scriptures to Understand How to Be like Jesus |
Live Scriptures like Jesus | Everyday find ways to Live like Jesus & those who correctly follow Jesus |
Life is a matter of working to Be like Jesus, and then as real life approaches with all its’ challenges and opportunities, the chance to live out that desire and Do like Jesus. The character in the “Be” becomes revealed & solidified as it faces circumstances, and meets circumstances with action (The “Do”).
John 5:39-40 (ESV): 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV): 1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Further Study & Inquiry:
While the phrase “Do-Be-Do-Be-Do like Jesus” is succinct, getting a deeper understanding what is expected of us to “Be” and to “Do” requires more contemplation on scriptures. Here are some questions for your own personal study, or for a group study.
1. How did Moses exemplify the desire to Be like God and Do like God instructed?
2. How did David facing Goliath reflect the combination of being & doing like Jesus?
3. In what ways did Abraham’s Sacrifice of Isaac embody the characteristics of faith (Be) and works (Do)?
4. With the Israelites facing the genocide decree, how did Queen Ester & Mordecai exhibit the “Do-Be-Do-Be-Do like Jesus” characteristics?
5. After Jesus’ death & resurrection, how did the Apostles & Disciples continue to live to Do like Jesus and learn to Be like Jesus?
6. As you review the 10 Commandments, and Jesus’ further clarifications on death & adultery, in what ways do the 10 Commandments exhibit both who we are (Be) and what actions we take (Do)?
7. Please share other scripture passages & people & principles which align with the purpose to “Do-Be like Jesus“?
Do-Be-Do-Be-Do like Jesus Song
The Do-Be-Do-Be-Do like Jesus song is a fun way for the young in heart to recall the Do-Be-Do-Be-Do visual with excitement. The following lyrics can be repeated by themselves, as a refrain, or augmented with sentences like “I <aim> to …”, where can repeat & replace <aim> with <want/love/strive/desire/wish/pray … >
Do-Be-Do-Be-Do
Do-Be-Do-Be-Do
Do-Be-Do-Be-Do like Jesus
You are welcome to get everyone tongue-tied, singing this similar refrain next.
Be-Do-Be-Do-Be
Be-Do-Be-Do-Be
Be-Do-Be-Do-Be like Jesus
Once the basic refrain is know, it can be varied to add some fun interplay, like singing the question “Do-Be-Do-Be-Do like Who?”, where the answer “Jesus” or “like Jesus” is answered back emphatically.
The Sign of the Cross
Those who prefer to do the sign of the cross across their chest to their neck and stomach area are welcome to ponder the Do-Be-Do between the left and the right, with the final Be-Do from the top to the bottom, as the sign of the cross is made.
[Click this link of Do-Be-Do-Be-Do like Jesus PDF for PDF Version of Visual]
Next Steps:
To learn more about how to conceptually map the “Do & Be Like Jesus” directive to your life’s mission and actions, read the related article on the “Do & Be Like Jesus List“.
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