The Urgency of Doing
“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.”
“Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation . . . even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind.”
Would you like to make a guess as to the identity of the person quoted above? Martin Luther might come to mind upon reading the first quote, as he was, indeed, a doer. Although a brilliant scholar, Luther did not lead a quiet, studious life. Rather, he was forever working, as he translated, traveled widely to preach, and devoted much time and energy to the students who gathered around him.
As we read the second statement, it might sound like something the Apostle Paul would say in one of his letters to congregations in Rome, Galatia, Ephesus or Corinth. He constantly encouraged and exhorted the new Christians in their efforts to build up the body of Christ. We can hear some similarity to Jesus’ warning in the Gospel of Matthew to his listeners not to lay up treasures on earth “where moth and rust consume . . .”
Well, the fact is these observations were made by one of the most fascinating, brilliant, creative people who ever lived, and he wasn’t a theologian, religious scholar, or church leader. He was, however, the quintessential Renaissance man — Leonardo DaVinci! An article in last week’s newspaper about a display at the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque described DaVinci’s inventions and creations that go far beyond painting and sculpting, and included these quotes.
As I read these two statements, it seemed to me that these were more than observations by a brilliant individual. The “urgency of doing” applies to life itself — if we’re willing to lend a hand to someone, but don’t follow through, that person’s need will continue to go unmet. Spiritually, the “doing” covers a wide spectrum, from those who dedicate their lives to full-time service, to many who participate in the life of the church and work for the good of their communities, even around the world. Wherever and whoever we are, we can “do” the Lord’s work. It might be listening to someone who is hurting, praying for people we know who need to feel that they are loved and supported, or for those we don’t know who have that same need.
The second statement sounds like the preface to an article about how to keep the aging mind functioning. It’s worded a little more elegantly, but it surely expresses how disuse and inaction have a corrosive effect on the mind as well as the spirit. We can participate in study groups, read, learn, or meditate, but it’s not all up to us. We can also pray that God will lead us to staying fresh and active, that our spirits will not get rusty, and he will guide and care for us in all the circumstances of our lives.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians, “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, . . . whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all . . . “
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers