Doing Good to Others

 

If we held a poll today, do you think most would say they believe American’s are angrier today than they were a year ago or three years ago? Those who study this subject say it’s true. And they cite three major reasons. The pandemic, social injustice, and financial instability. Then add in the millions who have become unsatisfied with our big government, and their distrust of the media, the wedge grows even wider.

If that is true, I’d assume you and I don’t have to look too far to have experienced someone who seems out of control. It could be we don’t have to look any further than the mirror.  Maybe it’s you and me that have become angrier.

So, what is the church to do? I believe the first thing we can do is to recognize that there is a problem and an even greater opportunity. When the world grows darker, it’s time for Christians to shine brighter. But how do we do that? I’d like to suggest we begin by modeling the love of Christ. In Galatians 6:10 it says, “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith”.

Let’s examine ourselves and see if we are the People of God who truly take capture every opportunity to do good to everyone. Especially to those who love God. Do we actually think about how we can help others. Do we ask God to show us how we can be an encouragement to others.

Let me ask you, when is the last time you purposely went out of your way to do good for someone? I’m not talking about when you were volunteered by someone else. Nor when you were backed into a corner and couldn’t find a way out. I mean, when was the last time you purposely sat down and planned away to do good for someone. Now is the time for action. The world needs you and me. Remember, the fields are ripe unto harvest.

The Influence of One

Throughout the bible, you can see that many nations are often influenced by a single person. This can be good and it can be bad because if that influence is coming from a man of God like Elijah or Elisha the influence is good. However, if it comes from a man like Jeroboam or any of the kings of the Northern kingdom of Israel the influence would only cause damage. If we look at the book of Kings we can see Josiah as a good influence example.  Upon finding and reading a lost book teaching him about God, Josiah did away with the idols and brought the people back to God (2 Kings 23). On the opposite side of the coin, a king like Omri of the northern kingdom did evil in the sight of the Lord even to the point of being worse than all those before him (1 Kings 16:25).

Today, just like then, we have kings and presidents that run the nations around the globe. They, just like the leaders of the past, are doing one of two things; they are either leading people to God or away from God. There is nothing else as important as the influence that they have in those regards. We too like leaders of the world have a realm of influence. Some of us might be able to influence more people than others but how are we using that influence. Are we like Paul or Josiah bringing people to God, or are we like Omri or Charles Darwin who led people away from God with their influence? As Christians, our influence can be great. If we are willing to spread the Word of God and the blessings that come with having a relationship with God, then we will influence people towards God. We may never influence a whole nation but we each will have the ability to influence people that others can’t. So let’s be like Josiah and so many others that influenced people to come to God.    Jacob Saarloos