It’s a phrase we’ve all said, “I’ve done my good deed for the day.” While the phrase is typically in a joking manner, in the back of our minds, we feel like we’ve checked off that box of being the “good Christian” even for just a moment, so we’re on God's nice list for the rest of the day, right?
Today after church, a group of us went to
lunch together. A fellow church member
offered to pick up the check for my meal.
As we left and I thanked him for lunch, he made the comment, “I’ve done
my good deed for the month!” It reminded
me that God laid this topic on my heart about a month ago, and today was a nudge
that I needed to share it.
I’ve always had a heart to help others in any
way I can, even during times in my life when I didn’t have the resources to
help myself. I really believe that God
gave me this blessing of a giving heart.
He also brings the resources into my life to allow me to bless
others. No, I’m not only talking about
money, giving comes in many ways. He
gives me free time, where I can sit with a friend in the hospital. He gives me extra toiletries from my travels,
where I can share them with the needy.
He gives me a bonus at work and turns around and shows me someone he
wants me to share it with. There’s lots
of ways I can give. It’s not about doing
one good deed a day; it’s about living a giving life in general.
The Bible doesn’t say you have to sell all
your processions and give the money to the poor. Nor
does God call you to never buy anything nice for yourself. What He does want is for you to come to Him
with your resources and give where He asks you to give. It may be handing the guy on the corner
asking for money the last $5 you have in your wallet. It may be helping the struggling family at
church with their electric bill. It may
be spending the evening with a friend that you know is struggling with
life.
That also doesn’t mean God wants you to help
every single person in need that you come across. He will show you who to give to and sometimes
He’ll tell you not to. Sometimes God is
working on someone in their time of need.
I’ve spoken to many friends who have been taught such lessons as
dependency on God and humbleness in their time of need. Yes, me writing them a check would have
helped, but it would have interfered with the lesson God was trying to teach
them.
It’s in those moments where God gives me the
opportunity to share with others that I end up receiving the biggest blessings,
the blessing of getting to be the hands and feet of Jesus!
Biblical truths behind this message:
- “Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor.” Proverbs 22:9
- “Sinners are always wanting what they don’t have; the God-loyal are always giving what they do have.” Proverbs 21:26
- “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
- “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:16
