Functioning Isn’t the Same as Living

This morning, while I was out walking the dog, this equation dropped into my spirit: Functioning ≠ Living. That made me pause for a second. How often do we settle for just functioning, going through the motions of life, without actually experiencing any of it? We spend so much of our time doing things by rote: going to work, doing mundane tasks, scrolling through social media, driving home on autopilot, doing our routine at home, eating whatever’s easiest for us, doing as little as possible relationally because we’re exhausted, and getting an unrestful night’s sleep only to wake up the next morning and do it all over again.

Throughout our lives, we’re taught to value functioning; we’re to be high-functioning, efficient, and effective. We’re told that making money and accumulating stuff is the dream and the sum of what we’re called to do with our lives. We craft our existence around ourselves, which, in my opinion, is the biggest indication of functioning instead of living.

Jesus not only came to give us life, but he was an example of how we should live. So, if he’s the model we’re supposed to follow: how did he live?

As a servant.
In community.
Aware of others.
Faithfully.
Justly.
Lovingly.
Connected to the Father.

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (ESV)

Jesus didn’t struggle with merely functioning because he is life. Every encounter he had with someone was him extending an invitation of life to them. He took the disciples from jobs that paid the bills to lives full of purpose. He restored people’s identities when they had settled for less than God’s best for them. He saw those who were ignored and loved those who were unloveable. Every interaction, word spoken, and action taken was fueled by his relationship with the Father.

Jesus shows us that true life looks like loving and serving others.

But Jesus didn’t serve others in order to gain his identity or to look good to the people around him, it was just a natural outpouring of his life and character. His love for God and people was so strong that he couldn’t help but serve, there was no alternative option.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV)

Because Jesus lived a perfect life and died a sinless death, those who trust in him can have a repaired relationship with God. This means eternity with him, but also the ability to truly live here on earth. Without Jesus, we have no hope of living a full life, but with him nothing is impossible!

It’s so easy to fall back into the rhythm of mere functioning, but God has called us to so much more! Because of him, we can live an abundant life!

Do you find yourself functioning the majority of the time? Or truly living?

What does true life mean to you?

To go Deeper: Read Free of Me, Love Does

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