What You Do, Defines You


The new Dark Knight hits theaters at midnight Friday!  As my heart intermingles with thoughts of elation of seeing the flick and feeling bittersweet at the end of what should be a great triology, I can't help but think about the spiritual side of things.  After all, that's who I am.  I'm a disciple of Christ.  This is what I do!

In the first installment, Batman Begins, a memorable line is shared by Bruce Wayne's love interest, Rachel Dawes and the Dark Knight himself.  Both quote the line at crucial points in the film.

The quote goes,
"Its not what you are underneath, its what you do that defines you."

Honestly, I think those words can sum up some deep spiritual truth.  We often live life with good intentions of being someone honorable, respectable, and doing good and serving others.  However, its not who we picture ourselves to be (what's underneath), its what others see.  Basically, its what you do that defines you.

Now, as a believer, I can say that ultimately its Christ who defines me.  Through His shed blood I have access to God and eternal life.  I am a saint in the eyes of God.  So technically, its not about what I do.  Its about what Christ did.  However, in the eyes of humanity, actions speak louder than our words and motives.  Perhaps that's why James encourages us to be doers of the word and not hearers only.  By being a doer, others see Christ.  So if Christ defines you, its important to show the true Christ to the world.  When we don't DO, yet still claim Christ, an unbelieving world is unfazed.  My encouragement is to not hide Christ underneath, but by your actions show His love to the world!