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“Doing Good”

Jason Longstreth
10/18/09

Doing Good

by Jason Longstreth

One of the shortest descriptions of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ is found in a statement made by Peter in the tenth chapter of Acts. There, in verse 38, he says, “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him.” It is short, but powerful. What did Jesus do while He was on the earth? He went about doing good. Shouldn’t we be going about doing the same?

Throughout the New Testament we are encouraged over and over again to do just that. Consider the following verses. In 2 Thess. 3:13, Paul simply states, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.” The Hebrews writer adds something to it in Heb. 13:16 where he says, “And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” This tells us that sharing is part of doing good and that these “good deeds” are sacrifices to God. This should make us want to do good.

However, there are other things that should make us want to do good as well. In Galatians 6:9, Paul says, “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.” In the next verse he commands us, “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” This tells us two things. First, we are to do good to all people. Second, we do this whenever we have the opportunity.

So, if we do good, we will reap. But what shall we reap? Rom. 2:5-8 tells us. “But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to every man according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation.” By doing good we will receive eternal life.

Now, let me ask a question – are you doing good? Are you helping those who are in need? Are you feeding the hungry and clothing the naked? Are you caring for the sick and oppressed? You might say, “But that’s not the work of the church!” Maybe, but it is the work of a Christian. It’s true the denominational world has turned the church into a soup kitchen and recreation center. It’s also true that we do not have the scriptural authority to take money from the church treasury to support such endeavors. We cannot use the “organization” of the church to do these things because we do not see the church doing these things in the Scriptures. However, as individuals we have the responsibility to do certain things. We have the obligation to do so.

Too many Christians, I’m afraid, hide behind some excuse for why they do not help others. Even though the church cannot use its money to help those outside the body, you can – and must. Remember, “do good to all men”. Remember also James’ instruction to “visit orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27). On the other hand, the church is supposed to take care of its own, but so are you as an individual. Don’t forget the Lord’s words in Matthew 25:31-46. Read this passage.

Let me encourage you today to do good. Go and find a way to help others. Just because the church cannot do certain things collectively, this does not mean you cannot do them individually. And just because the church does do certain things collectively, this does not mean you cannot do these things individually. Let us, like Jesus, go about doing good. Ω

Jason Longstreth writes from Tampa, FL.