Doing Good While We Have the Chance

     Our world is becoming so fast paced that no one seems to have time for the things that really matter most such as a hug, a smile, a kind word, or even saying thank you.  I have made it a personal goal to give more of these this year as we never know if the recipient of our blessing will be around tomorrow.  We don't even know if we will be around tomorrow so we need to make the most of each day.  Scripture even points this out for us.
     In Proverbs 3:27, we read:  "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.  Do not say to your neighbor, 'Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow' - when you now have it with you."  These words of wisdom point to a life of service and moral excellence.  What an absolute dichotomy from the world's way of dealing with others.  The sin nature is centered on self, but the believer is to find ways in which to do good to those around them.  It doesn't have to be expensive to follow this moral course of action either.
     I work in a busy office with many people coming and going each day.  Not everyone is happy to be coming in or they may have some other difficulty unknown to those of us who greet them.  I may not be able to solve their problem, but I can certainly give them a smile, a kind word, and respect.  I would like to think they might leave happier than when they came.  This is one way we can put this scripture into practice.
     Perhaps God has blessed us with money that we were not expecting.  With this extra cash, we might be able to do good to our neighbor by buying groceries for them if they are out of work.  Another possibility is sharing an offering to assist a missionary or a local food bank.  Most importantly, if we obtain extra money, we owe it to ourselves to make certain our debts are paid off especially to family and friends.  God wants us to take our resources, time, and talents and reach out to others.  We can be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to those in need.
     This is a sharp contrast to the world's motto of:  "The one with the most toys when he dies, wins!" We have all seen the rich and famous lifestyle, and aside from their possessions, there is often little else for them of substance.  Being rich in relationships both with God and our fellow man brings greater rewards to our heart and lays up for us treasures in heaven where moth and rust cannot corrupt it.
     Perhaps the greatest example of this proverb given in the Bible was the story of the "Good Samaritan" (Luke 10: 30-37).  Here was a man despised by the Jews, yet, he was the only one who did not leave a man laying by the roadside bloodied and beaten by robbers.  He took this man to an inn and paid for his care saying he would come back that way and make certain everything was covered.  This Samaritan put to shame the priest who passed by this man in need because he did not want to get defiled or involved.  The Samaritan was the real neighbor who did good to a man in great need.  This is what God calls us to do as we go about our daily routine.
     Fulfilling a call to do good to those around us is not complicated or demanding.  A phone call, written message, an email, a smile, a hug, a kind word are all easy to give.  If we have the financial means, we can also do good to those around us.  The key is to listen to the Lord and seek the opportunity to do good while we can.  What an impact we can make for the kingdom when we serve others in this manner.  We bring glory to God and joy to our own lives as we give ourselves away in obedience to our Lord.  Selah!


I welcome your thoughts and insights here.  Please leave a comment...it is a treasure to me.