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Good Not Done

If we are honest about ourselves, we all have that in the past of which we should be ashamed. It can be difficult to admit even to ourselves. However, even more difficult to admit is the good we failed to do. This is because we seldom consider those things we could or should do. A prosperous society lends itself to leisure and self-preoccupation that tends to limit vision. Prosperity also tends to minimize needs such that it can seem that there is little we can do for others.

If we see “needs” in terms of physical or spiritual, we can think that physical needs are taken care of by governmental or charitable agencies and spiritual needs are taken care of by a church. It is perhaps indicative of how far we have been indoctrinated with systems type thinking to see the care of souls accomplished through organizational systems as opposed to the individual good Samaritan approach (relational as opposed to organizational).

In addition to a reflex to think in “system" type solutions, a materialistic and consumer type society often comes to equate all things to money. As a result, most problems can be seen as solvable with enough money. This reduced scope of vision can approach blindness for Christians. Perhaps the most difficult blindness is not even knowing that one is blind. To gain the “sight’ needed, one has to unlock several doors.

1. No matter who we are, we are not at the pinnacle of understanding. Before we can share what we can have in Christ, we have to obtain it ourselves.

2. If we fall short of Christ-likeness, we are in need of growth. We need to grow beyond doctrinal “bullet points”

3. A word of encouragement, exhortation, or kindness can be a greater gift than a million dollars given to a charity.

4. Building relationships is an investment that allows one to be aware of real needs.

5. We need to decrease in self-focus so that we can tune into others and their needs.

6. Prayer (even if inarticulate) allows the heart to plead for others as well as ourselves.

7. Time might be the most precious gift we can give another.

There will be rewards for Christians who build well on the foundation of Christ (1Cor 3:13). It is unlikely that this refers to large well funded organizational systems, rather the individual relationships one can build with other Christians. The appeal of large organizations is that we are spared the discomfort of dealing with individuals. We are all unpleasant and to deal with each other requires forbearance and love which are two of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) which are often woefully underdeveloped..

Attempting to do good works first requires us to be so inclined and then to mature in our faith so that we will be effective.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:10

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