The story of Genesis reveals a profound truth: our BEING, as the image of God (Imago Dei), shapes our DOING. In the Garden of Eden, Eve’s BEING was rooted in her identity as created in God’s image (Gen 1:26-27). Yet, the serpent’s illusion shifted her focus to DOING—eating the forbidden fruit to become “like God” (Gen 3:5). This act, contrary to her Imago Dei, faded her true BEING, making her believe she was less than God’s image. Today, many prioritize DOING over BEING, seeking holiness through actions without nurturing their Imago Dei. However, BEING and DOING are not opposed; DOING flows from BEING. When DOING aligns with Jesus, the “image of the invisible God” (Col 1:15), the Imago Dei is restored, reflecting His likeness. Through practices like TAPPING, Power Meditation one can recognize DOING and shape it to conform to BEING as God’s image. This fosters authentic living in religious, youth, married, and single life.

The Interplay of BEING and DOING as Imago Dei

In Eden, Eve’s BEING was the Imago Dei—she was already like God in her essence. The serpent’s lie convinced her to DO something to achieve what she already was, leading to disobedience. This DOING, contrary to her BEING, dimmed her Imago Dei, causing her to believe she was incomplete. This struggle persists today. Many pursue holiness through DOING—novenas, pilgrimages, or service—without grounding these in their BEING as God’s image. Such DOING, detached from BEING, becomes mechanical and fades true identity. Transformation of BEING is not human effort alone but a gift of God’s grace, received through prayer, sacraments, and openness to the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:14). As Jesus said, “Abide in me as I abide in you… apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:4-5). DOING must flow from BEING as Imago Dei; a BEING rooted in Christ naturally produces good DOING.

BEING and DOING are inseparable, like a tree and its fruit. A good tree bears good fruit (Mt 7:17), meaning a BEING as Imago Dei spontaneously acts in love. DOING is not less important but gains value when rooted in BEING. Acts of love, justice, and service express the Imago Dei, fulfilling Jesus’ command to love one another (Jn 13:34). Focusing solely on DOING risks becoming like the Pharisees, whose acts lacked a heart aligned with God (Mt 23:27). When DOING contradicts BEING, the Imago Dei fades, leading to a false belief in being something else—perhaps unworthy or worldly. Yet, intentionally DOING like Jesus restores BEING as God’s image. For example, a person conforming their memory, intellect, and will to Christ begins to act like Him. Their DOING—kindness, patience, service—flows from their Imago Dei. Imitating Christ’s actions without inner alignment can lead to inconsistency, like being charitable yet unkind, as the DOING doesn’t reflect the true BEING.

The Parable of the Princess: Actions Reveal Imago Dei

A story illustrates this truth. A king sought a suitor for his daughter, the princess, through a contest. Many girls dressed as princesses, maids, and others, and suitors had to identify the true princess. One chose the girl with the most ornaments, another the best-dressed, others the tallest or fairest. All were wrong. A simple man entered, tossed gold coins on the ground, and said, “These are yours to take.” Chaos ensued as all but one girl scrambled for the coins. Pointing to her, he declared, “She is the princess.” Her BEING as royalty, reflecting her Imago Dei, shaped her DOING—she stood with dignity, unlike the maids, whose BEING led them to act differently despite mimicking a princess. DOING flows from BEING as God’s image, revealing true identity.

Imago Dei in Everyday Life

The struggle between BEING and DOING as Imago Dei appears across life’s vocations. In religious life, a seminarian might pack his schedule with retreats and ministries, neglecting personal prayer. His DOING, unrooted in his BEING as God’s image, becomes mechanical, dimming his Imago Dei. When he prioritizes BEING—resting in his identity through prayer—his DOING, like teaching or serving, flows naturally, reflecting Jesus’ love (Lk 6:36). Awareness of his Imago Dei makes DOING authentic and joyful.

Among youth, a college student might volunteer at church to seem virtuous, but if her BEING isn’t grounded in faith, her DOING feels forced. She may struggle to forgive a friend, as her actions don’t reflect her Imago Dei. Reflecting on her BEING, through “You are my beloved” (Lk 3:22), her DOING—forgiveness, generosity—becomes spontaneous, restoring her identity as God’s image.

In married life, a husband might focus on DOING—working long hours to provide—but neglect his BEING as a loving spouse in God’s image. His actions, though well-intentioned, strain his marriage if not rooted in his Imago Dei. Prioritizing BEING—prayer and connection with his wife—makes his DOING, like helping at home, flow from love, reflecting Christ’s sacrificial love (Eph 5:25).

A single layperson might organize parish events to feel useful, neglecting their BEING as God’s image. Embracing their Imago Dei through reflection, their DOING—volunteering or supporting friends—becomes a joyful expression of identity. In each case, DOING aligned with BEING as Imago Dei restores true self, making actions effortless and fruitful.

Correcting DOING Through BEING as Imago Dei

When someone acts wrongly, addressing their DOING alone is inadequate. Helping them rediscover their BEING as Imago Dei is essential. A youth gossiping may be corrected, but without grasping their identity as God’s image, they may persist. Reflecting on “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps 139:14), they recognize their divine dignity, identifying misaligned DOING and correcting it. A religious brother impatient with his community might try DOING better. True change comes from embracing his BEING as Imago Dei, leading to heartfelt patience that mirrors Jesus.

Awareness of BEING as Imago Dei controls actions. Wrong DOING often stems from a faded Imago Dei, where the devil’s illusion deceives one into believing they are less than God’s image. Returning to BEING through prayer restores identity. As St. Augustine said, verified in Confessions, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Resting in the Imago Dei ensures DOING reflects God’s love.

TAPPING: Surrendering to Restore Imago Dei

TAPPING offers a powerful way to recognize and restore the Imago Dei. In TAPPING, one spends intentional time with God, surrendering DOING that contradicts their BEING as God’s image. Through this prayerful surrender, misaligned actions are washed in the blood of Jesus (Rev 7:14), cleansing the soul. In this renewed state, one considers DOING that aligns with their Imago Dei. For example, a religious sister struggling with resentment might, in TAPPING, surrender her harsh words, seeking Christ’s forgiveness. Reflecting on her BEING as God’s image, she commits to DOING acts of kindness, shaping her actions to reflect her true identity. TAPPING realigns DOING with BEING, restoring the Imago Dei and fostering holiness.

Encountering God to Restore Imago Dei in Struggles

When a person struggles with sinful tendencies or addictions, their DOING—compulsive behaviors—clashes with their BEING as Imago Dei, obscuring their true identity. Advising them to correct their DOING often has little lasting impact. Even if they try to mend their ways, the change may be fleeting without a deeper transformation. What truly changes a person is a personal encounter with God, which offers a glimpse of their Imago Dei. This encounter, whether through a profound moment in prayer, a retreat, or the sacraments, reveals their identity as God’s image, sparking a desire to align DOING with BEING. For instance, a young man battling substance abuse might, during a Eucharistic adoration, experience God’s love, realizing he is “God’s chosen one, holy and beloved” (Col 3:12). This encounter inspires him to intentionally pursue DOING that reflects his Imago Dei, such as seeking support and practicing self-control. Unlike mere advice, a God encounter touches the heart, empowering sustained change by reconnecting one with their true BEING.

The Flow of Restoring Imago Dei

Holiness is not about perfect DOING but a BEING transformed into the image of Christ, the perfect Imago Dei. Contemplative prayer, including TAPPING, deepens this BEING, letting one rest in God’s presence and grow in union with Him, as St. John of the Cross teaches: “The soul’s center is God.” A sister meditating on her BEING as Imago Dei, a bride of Christ (Rev 21:2), serves with joy, not obligation. Her DOING flows from her identity, requiring no effort. DOING without BEING leads to burnout or hypocrisy, as actions lack conviction. BEING as Imago Dei precedes DOING, ensuring authenticity.

Perfecting Imago Dei Through Intentional DOING and Vox Divini Meditation

The BEING as Imago Dei is perfected by aligning DOING with the identity aspired to in Jesus, the image of the invisible God (Col 1:15). Vox Divini Meditation enhances this process by focusing on Christ’s qualities—gentleness, mercy, love—and intentionally striving to act according to His nature. As one meditates on Jesus’ compassion (Mt 9:36) and commits to DOING compassionate acts, their BEING grows in conformity with Christ. For instance, a religious sister struggling with anger might, through Power Meditation, reflect on Jesus’ patience and choose to listen calmly in disagreements. This intentional DOING restores her Imago Dei. A parent prone to distraction might meditate on Christ’s presence and prioritize attentive time with their children. Each deliberate act, guided by Power Meditation, molds the Imago Dei. Jesus calls all to “be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48), possible because all are created in God’s image (Gen 1:27). By intentionally becoming like Christ through Power Meditation and aligned DOING, BEING conforms to His likeness, as St. Paul says: “Be transformed by the renewing of your minds” (Rom 12:2).

Conclusion

The struggle between BEING and DOING, seen in Eden, continues today. Eve’s fall came from DOING contrary to her BEING as Imago Dei, fading her true identity. This is avoided by grounding DOING in BEING as God’s image. Whether in religious life, youth, marriage, or single life, DOING rooted in Imago Dei flows naturally, bearing fruit. Through TAPPING, Vox Divini Meditation, and personal God encounters, one surrenders misaligned DOING and shapes actions to reflect Christ’s nature, restoring the Imago Dei. Like the princess whose BEING shaped her DOING, all are called to live as God’s image. By nurturing BEING through prayer, grace, and intentional DOING, the Imago Dei shines, reflecting Jesus’ love.