Doing Good

DEVOTION
GALATIONS
DOING GOOD
Gal 6:9-10
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
NIV
I know no better good to do for all people than sharing the joy of the Lord with them. That of course requires I have the joy of the Lord. I cannot go around with a sad continence complaining about my lot in life or any aches and pains I might have in my body. If I am to do good to others especially those who belong to the family of believers I also need a genuine concern for their well being. Not just a physical well being, but their spiritual well being also. Now if I am not doing good I must be doing bad. I do not think I can remain neutral or simply ignore others. That would not be doing them any good, or maybe it would if they did not like me. But that is not an option, if I am to be the salt, the light, and the mirror reflecting Christ to a lost and dying world, I have to be doing something for their good and that would mean being an active part of their life. I must live in community; I cannot be an isolated individual just doing my own thing. This is by far one of the most difficult things for me to do. By my own nature, I am an introvert, a recluse, an island onto myself capable of living without contact with others, especially intimate community type contact. I have to rely solely on the power of God to be involved in a caring way toward my fellow believers and not go weary of doing good. Sure, I am active in my calling to preach and teach, but I do forget the everyday mundane stuff. If someone asks for my help I am right there, no problem, but most of the time I do not see the need on my own. I would like to be more thoughtful, seeing their need and responding without being asked, but I simply miss that mark. I need more of the power of God working in me so I will be able to make that kind of change happen in me. I believe by my preaching and teaching and even my writing is doing some good for others, but I also believe I have to go beyond that. I think I have to be able to see the opportunities to do good for others. Maybe I just can’t see well enough, or maybe I am simply so involved in my own life, I am blinded to the lives of others. However this shakes out I know I cannot grow weary in my efforts to be the man god desires me to be. I am still learning, still growing, still in need of changing and becoming more like Jesus. I will not grow weary in that effort and in doing good.