A light in the Dark – Do good
Greed, corruption, a hunger for power. The human flesh will do anything to feed its lustful desires. In a culture we have dubbed ’self-care’ we seem to have taken it to the next level and become accepting of a seared conscience these days.
What happened to simply doing good, because it’s the right thing to do, and not necessarily because it’s how we feel.
Have we forgotten how deceptive the heart is?
We do not do good for ourselves; neither do we do it for nothing. We also do not do good because of others, but we do good because we trust God. We trust that the grace He has given and forgiveness He has offered, His righteousness that has become ours, is enough. This is what gives purpose and reason to devote ourselves to doing good.
It is not because we are capable but because we have hope in Him and trust in Him to make our faith in Him complete through the grace he gives us to do good.
If we think about all that happens in this world, the ugly and dark deeds of men can make you want to run and hide. It all seems so vain, to do what is right and pure in the sight of God. We ask ourselves, why should I be so devoted yet the rot around me is so concentrated?
This is why doing good is not about acts, but about trust. We believe in the power of Jesus Christ who can do all things and has made all things.
When we face injustices, directly or otherwise, we are not to put our heads down in shame but to lift up our eyes to the hills and call upon the LORD’s name. This means practical action and thoughtful impact to what is happening around us. We call upon the name of the LORD to keep us strengthened, to use us to make a difference. We are called to make an impact and to be dedicated to what is right. Our dedication is not because we are perfect, but we are dedicated because we are obedient.
Obedience is the standard, not perfection.
The next time you are thinking: ‘what impact can I make?’ Just change the question and ask, ‘what is God asking me to do for him today?’ Then, do it. Even if all he tells you is to say hi to your annoying neighbor.
Titus 3:4-8
“4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”
