Don't Just...

 

I ran across a poem that spoke to me the other day and decided to reflect on it.  It's titled "Don't Just" by Roy T. Bennet: 

Don't just learn, experience.
Don't just read, absorb.
Don't just change, transform.
Don't just relate, advocate.
Don't just promise, prove.
Don't just criticize, encourage.
Don't just think, ponder.
Don't just take, give.
Don't just see, feel.
Don’t just dream, do.
Don't just hear, listen.
Don't just talk, act.
Don't just tell, show.
Don't just exist, live.”

It can be difficult to maintain a hopeful and positive outlook in challenging circumstances. Yet, during these times, our faith and attitude can serve as powerful tools for transformation and renewal. 

Roy T. Bennet’s poem compellingly reminds us that true growth happens when we move actively beyond surface-level engagement with life. His words inspire us to live with intention, especially when life feels difficult.

He begins, “Don’t just learn, experience.” True understanding comes from acquiring knowledge and applying it through lived experiences. 

The Bible supports this idea in James 1:22: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” 

When we experience God’s truth, our faith is deepened, and our hope is strengthened. Bennet continues, “Don’t just read, absorb,” encouraging us to internalize lessons and divine promises, especially in times of hardship. 

Bennet urges not to settle for superficial change but to pursue real, internal transformation: “Don’t just change, transform.” When we allow God to transform our hearts, our outlook shifts from despair to hope. 

The line “Don’t just relate, advocate” invites us to actively stand up for others, showing empathy and kindness that can inspire hope in troubled hearts. Bennet then says, “Don’t just promise, prove,” urging us to back up our words with actions, valuable when many feel their efforts are insignificant. 

The poem further encourages, “Don’t just criticize, encourage,” a vital reminder to uplift those around us with hope and supportive words. “Don’t just think, ponder,” calls us to reflective action—learning from our experiences rather than dwelling in negativity. “Don’t just take, give” emphasizes generosity, bringing light into even the darkest situations. 

Finally, Bennet’s powerful closing lines: “Don’t just see, feel. Don’t just dream, do. Don’t just hear, listen. Don’t just talk, act. Don’t just tell, show. Don’t just exist, live” serve as an inspiring call to live authentically and intentionally. Hope is cultivated when we actively engage with life, extend kindness, act with purpose, and trust in God's plan.

Even amid negativity, we are called to work towards turning our hardships into avenues for growth. The Apostle Paul reassures us in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

With God's strength, we can respond differently, transforming pain into hope, despair into purpose, and routine into a life fully lived for God's glory. Today, let this be your challenge: to move beyond mere existence and actively live out the hope you bear in Christ.

May it be so, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.