SEARCHLIGHT
You may do good things, but are they Godly good things?
SCRIPTURE
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. Titus 3:8 NIV
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. Titus 3:14 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
There is no question about the importance of people doing what is good. This is a foundational pillar, to a well-functioning society. However, a Christian is called to ask another question. Are you being careful to devote yourself to doing Godly good, and not just human good? This is the Scripture focus of today’s devotional.
Godly goodness results from a person experiencing a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. This transformation is called being born again. [John 3] It is rooted in receiving God’s divine nature. As a result, God requires a Christian to be devoted to doing good. A Christian person cannot be a Christian without being good, but a good person may not be a Christian.
Human goodness results from a person’s human spirit. Human nature chooses whether to be good or not. As a result, a person can desire to help, feel obligated to help or ignore helping.
Godly goodness is motivated by the love of God. A Christian is not devoted to doing good for personal glory, but God’s glory. Godly goodness does not make a proud person, but a grateful person.
Human goodness can be motivated by a sincere desire to help, personal satisfaction, or ego. When a person is self-motivated, he/she could become proud of having done good. Jesus often pointed out that the religious leaders of his time were doing good to be seen.
A Christian is careful to devote himself to doing what is good. Why? Because God is good.
A Christian commits himself to learn to do what is good. Doing some acts of goodness may be difficult to perceive or comprehend. Providing food for an alcoholic family is good, but not giving money to the alcoholic is also good. Giving a food voucher to a needy street person is good, but giving money is not good. Tough love can be both challenging and good.
Godly goodness is excellent when God is acknowledged, praised and thanked. A Christian does not need to be thanked for doing good. He/she knows that God knows.
Godly goodness is profitable for everyone because people’s eyes are pointed to God, and not the kind generosity of a person.
Godly goodness provides for urgent needs. The Good Samaritan was good because he stopped and helped even though his life may have been in jeopardy.
Godly goodness causes a believer to live a productive life. The cost of doing good is not a consideration. Time and energy are not considered. Living to express God’s love is the priority.
SOMETHING TO DO
Here are some questions to consider:
#1 Have I asked God to give me His divine nature?
#2 Am I motivated to doing what is good because of God’s love for me or my need to be appreciated?
#3 Am I asking the Holy Spirit to teach me how to do what is good?
#4 Am I careful to be sure that God is glorified, and not me, when I have done good?
#5 Have I asked God to give me the heart and eyes of a Good Samaritan?
#6 How am I daily living to express God’s love and goodness to people around me?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You are good all the time. You are so good to me. Thank you for making Yourself real to me and changing my life. Continue to fill me with your love so I will do what is good. Give me your heart and eyes to do good anytime, anywhere and to anyone. AMEN!