Do Gooders

It’s not hard to see the results of sin in the world. The news is filled with many of its consequences. Galatians 5:19-21 tells us: “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians NIV). 1 Timothy 5:24 relates how sin eventually catches up with us: “The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them.”

But what of our good deeds? They do not always make the headlines. The ones that do are sometimes veiled attempts at enhancing image. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Our motivation for doing good should be driven by the Spirit, not to enhance our image or to win praise from others. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other (Galatians 5:25-26).”

It can be frustrating at times to hear about all the sinful things happening in the world. It is the nature of living in a fallen world. Sometimes it can feel like our good deeds will not make a difference. We can feel overwhelmed by the world around us. But we should “never tire of doing what is good (2 Thessalonians 3:13). Our goal in doing good should be to please the Lord. “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life (Galatians 6:8).”

We should keep our eyes focused on what God desires from us — to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. Our good deeds should be “rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:7).” Because “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).” We should lead “such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us (1 Peter 2:12).”

© 2021, CGThelen