No one sane can deny the satisfaction that comes
with affecting another's life positively. It is always an amazing
self-fulfilling sensation. At that moment, the world ceases to be ugly place
that it is often purported to be. The hopeless find their hope and the lost are
found. The hungry are fed and the homeless find shelter. It is a win win
situation and the ambiance suddenly feels like a temporary paradise. However,
beyond these perceived good acts, we can seek to understand their root. Why
should we do what is good? Is their a greater reward than just a pleasurable
feeling?
During the relatively many years I have been in
this world, I have come across some two categories of those who do good. There
are those who are genuinely good and can help you out expecting absolutely
nothing in return. Those who can give you a lift by the road side and take you
to your destination safe and sound. Some may go hysterical if you offer them
something in return for their favour. They are very few, I should say, but they
are there. These are a sample of the Good Samaritan. They believe in helping
whenever, wherever and however they can and they do it cheerfully. The fact that
you will forget them after that incident does not hinder them from giving you a
hand. All they want to do is just give the necessary assistance.
We also have those people who do good, yes, but
their effort cannot go unrewarded. They believe in the “nothing is for free"
philosophy. Apparently, they work so hard for what they have. So, it cannot go
just like that. When they offer you assistance, be prepared to repay them in
some way. Such will mostly insist on recognition for their action. The Bible
says that such have already been paid in full. Their divine blessings are
therefore closed out. When it comes to giving, discretion, I believe, is the
most honourable thing to uphold.
Doing good, in most cases, is relative to being
good. Genuinely good actions will mostly be as a result of a genuinely good
personality. Some impaired perceptions, however, may have it that doing good
renders one righteous. That is a lie from the devil himself. Doing good after a
sinful act does not, by any means, compensate for the sin committed. Good deeds
can never serve to bribe God into condoning sin. The only drug that cures sin
is repentance and salvation through the blood of Jesus. One needs to let God
transform his/her soul from deep within so that their good actions can be truly
pleasing, even before God. Externally good actions may make you seem perfect, earning
you some accolades. They may however hold little or no significance in God’s
eyes if you are proud and ill-conceited. God values a humble and broken spirit.
Matthew 5:5 declares the meek blessed, for they will inherit the earth.
My one desire is to learn how to do what is good
and give thanks to God for enabling me to, because all that is good comes from
him. Recognition or appreciation should be the last things in my mind. The fact
that the All-knowing God has seen it will be enough for me. He is of more
importance to me than any praise or applause from anyone in this world. Making
my motivation dependent on human beings has proven futile. I have realized that
it is, kind of, expecting too much from them. Therefore, I will steer myself
ahead, focusing on the reward that my Maker has in store for me. It may not be
instant, but in the mean time, His love, peace and immense grace will do me
just fine.
Titus
3:8 – 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.
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