In a world that often seems driven by self-interest and personal gain, the call to “do good” stands out as a beacon of hope and transformation. But what does it truly mean to do good, and how can we embody this principle in our daily lives?
At its core, doing good is about more than just avoiding harm or being nice when it’s convenient. It’s a radical commitment to living as a disciple of Jesus Christ in every aspect of our lives. This path of discipleship challenges us to filter every word and action through the love of Christ, actively engaging with the world around us to make a positive impact.
The letter of James in the New Testament offers profound insights into this way of living. James writes, “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” These words remind us that true wisdom isn’t just about what we know, but how we bring that knowledge to life through our actions.
This concept of doing good goes beyond mere belief or theological understanding. While having a solid theological foundation is important (as history has shown that bad theology can lead to harmful consequences), good theology must move us beyond belief and into action. It’s not enough to simply agree with certain doctrines or check the right boxes; we are called to actively demonstrate our faith through how we live.
Jesus himself emphasized this in the parable of the sheep and the goats, where people are separated at the final judgment not by their beliefs, but by how they cared for the most vulnerable in society. This teaches us that feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for others are at the heart of what it means to follow Christ.
But doing good isn’t always easy. It requires us to love not just our neighbors, but also our enemies – and sometimes, as the parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates, our enemies are our neighbors. This radical love calls us to take a proactive stance in the world, actively trying to make it a better place for all who live in it.
James warns us about the dangers of false wisdom rooted in selfish ambition and jealousy. He contrasts this with true wisdom from God, which is “first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”
This divine wisdom challenges us to examine our motives. Are we doing good because we want recognition? Are we helping others to display our own righteousness? Are we doing just enough good to maintain power over others? These are uncomfortable questions, but they’re essential for aligning our hearts with God’s will.
To truly embody this principle of doing good, we must be willing to serve even when it doesn’t benefit us, to help even when it means giving up our own comfort or convenience. It’s about choosing to respond with grace rather than anger, seeking reconciliation over revenge, and using our resources to serve others rather than simply accumulating for ourselves.
Practical applications of this principle might include:
1. Choosing to listen and understand another’s point of view during a disagreement, rather than forcefully asserting our position.
2. Seeking reconciliation with someone who has wronged us, even when it’s difficult.
3. Using our time, talents, and resources to actively serve those in need in our communities.
4. Being intentional about how our actions impact not just our immediate circles, but also the marginalized and overlooked in society.
5. Stepping in to advocate for justice, even when it might cost us our prestige or reputation.
6. Choosing generosity over selfishness, not just with our money, but with our time, attention, and talents.
7. Showing mercy and compassion instead of judgment, seeing others through the eyes of Christ.
8. Seeking paths of peace in situations where conflict might seem easier or more advantageous.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, is often quoted as saying, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” This comprehensive call to action leaves little room for selective or conditional goodness.
Ultimately, doing good is not passive or selective. It’s not based on how we feel in a particular moment or about a particular person. It’s a radical commitment to living as a disciple of Jesus Christ in every aspect of our lives. This way of living isn’t always convenient or easy, but it’s the path that Jesus himself walked and calls us to follow.
As we go about our daily lives, we’re challenged to ask ourselves: How can we intentionally do good in our interactions today? Where in our communities can we be an active presence of Christ’s love? What changes do we need to make in our own hearts so that our motives align with God’s wisdom?
When we actively choose to do good in every moment, we reflect the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it. We become agents of transformation, bringing hope, healing, and love to those around us. It’s a high calling, but one that has the power to change not just individual lives, but entire communities and even the world.
So let us be intentional about our actions. Let’s make a difference in the lives of others, not for our own glory, but to magnify God’s love and grace in this broken world. As we do, we may find that in seeking to do good for others, we ourselves are transformed, growing ever closer to the heart of God and the fullness of life that Jesus promised.
