With respect to doing good, attitudes within the body of Christ vary from member to member and from one subgroup to another. Everyone seems to understand that we all should be actively involved in doing of good, but some members’ heart condition may not be conducive to doing of good as fully as the Scriptures require. Accordingly, we ask, what spiritual principles, when adopted, will motivate us to be active in the doing of good? In answer to this timely question, we submit the follow biblical principles.
- Every good tree brings forth good fruit (Matthew 7:15-17). Therefore, if a specific individual Christian is not bringing forth any good fruit, then this individual is not a good tree.
- The imposition of responsibility is clear (Matthew 25:14-30). Any Christian blessed with spiritual blessings must put them to active use. The one-talent man was condemned, not because he had one talent but because he did not actively use that with which he had been blessed.
- A good man, out of the good treasure of his heart, brings forth that which is good (Luke 6:45). It is neither enough nor satisfactory to the Lord for one to merely possess good treasure in one’s heart; we must actively employ it so that we bring forth what is good.
- The Lord approves of one choosing the good part (Luke 10:38-42). This suggests that there are proper spiritual priorities as we serve God. Let us so arrange our lives so that biblical priorities are seen.
- The Lord will bless us if we continue in His goodness (Romans 11:19-22). If we desire to run the Christian race successfully, we must continue in His goodness rather than setting aside our continuing spiritual obligations.
- Individual gifts from the Lord must be put to use (Romans 12:6-8). We should never accumulate gifts from the Lord with no intent of exercising those gifts. We risk divine intervention that may result in the loss of such gifts.
- The grace of God makes it possible to abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). Though stated in a context dealing with financial matters, the principle applies generally as well. May we, as we have been blessed by the grace of God, be thus influenced to abound in every good work.
- Each individual will bear his own burden of responsibility (Galatians 6:1-5). We cannot depend upon the faithfulness of others in the body of Christ to be considered for us personally, as if their goodness will be put to our account. Salvation is a very personal matter.
- We must not be weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9-10). Though we may have served the Lord faithfully for many years, such service will not suffice in the Day of Judgment if we have ceased from our labors prematurely.
- We have been created unto good works (Ephesians 2:10). Yes, our spiritual purpose in being is to be active in good works. If we cease from such labors, we fail to fulfill our divinely assigned spiritual purpose.
- Walking worthy of the Lord demands that we be fruitful in every good work (Colossians 1:9-10). If we are not fruitful in every good work, then our Christian walk is not worthy of the Lord.
- We should be prepared unto every good work (2 Timothy 2:20-21). Should we be so prepared and yet never actively apply that preparation? Yes, the preparation required should be followed with application.
- We have been redeemed and purified to be zealous of good works (Titus 2:14). The ransoming and purification that we enjoy in Christ are intended to motivate us to be active in the kingdom of the Lord.
- We should provoke one another unto love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). That’s what this short article is all about. I trust that you have been so provoked.
