Jump Start # 3147

2 Thessalonians 3;13 “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.”

Good…goodness…these are qualities of walking with Christ. In Titus we find: loving what is good (1:8); teaching what is good (2:3); being an example of good (2:7); zealous for good deeds (2:14); ready for every good deed (3:1); engage in good deeds (3:8, 14). The Galatians were told to do good to all people, especially the people of God. Goodness is one of  the fruits of the Spirit.

Let’s put some thought into the idea of doing good:

First, goodness is manifested and illustrated by what we do. Many a good idea or a good thought is never put into action. We may think of great things to do, but if we never do them, then we are not doing good. A team can spend too long in the huddle thinking of what they ought to do. There comes a time to execute the play. “I was going to send you a card,” or, “I was going to drop by the funeral home,” are empty words. I was going to, actually means, I didn’t do it. I was too busy for you. I forgot about you. I didn’t think about you. A good person is one who does good. That’s where we must start.

Second, there is an internal satisfaction that comes from doing good. When you choose to say words that uplift rather than tear down, that not only helps the person who hears you, but it makes you feel good. You did what was right. You did something good. The little acts of kindness and love that we share with others helps us with our priorities and reminds us that the seeds of goodness do make a difference. It simply feels good to do good.

Third, there are so many different ways every day that we can do good. The opportunities are all around us. At school, at work, in the neighborhood, in the family, in the church family, those sweet words of encouragement, those “that’a boy” shout outs, those “thinking of you” texts and phone calls all change the world for some.

The problem we encounter is choosing which good to do. Everywhere you look, people need some sunshine and kindness. Our times are angry, selfish and demanding. To be the opposite is a choice and it is noticed. One can feel overwhelmed with all the people that need some goodness. The list is long. Don’t try to tackle them all at once. Start small. Put some thought and prayer into what you want to do. Then do some good.

Fourth, goodness is a characteristic of our Lord. Peter’s words to Cornelius said that Jesus “went about doing good.” You aren’t the first to do good. The good that you do should not come with expectations such as some form of payback or a thank you or goodness in return. That spirit ruins the good that is being done. No strings attached. Not a loan, but a gift. You do good not because someone deserves it. You do good because that’s what Jesus did. You do good because that’s what Jesus wants you to do. You do good because it makes a difference.

Our verse reminds us not to become weary in doing good. When that happens, a person stops. When that happens, one begins to complain. “Why are others not helping out?” “Why does it always fall to me?” And, with that, we stand with worrisome Martha who interrupted Jesus because Mary wasn’t helping her. Helping someone move will make you tired. But you can recover from that quickly. The weariness Paul has in mind in our verse does not come from tired muscles, but rather a tired spirit. And, when one gets that way, take a short break. Recharge. Energize yourself. But quickly, very quickly, get back onto the field of doing good. You are needed and the helpers are so few.

I expect just about all of us could run through our past and find multiple times when people have been good to us. Many of us wouldn’t be where we are today had it not been for the kindness of others. Don’t forget those moments. They tend to keep us thankful and they keep us going when we become weary.

Doing good—let’s do it!

Roger