Do we live within a world of individuals who DO good to others–OR–Do we live within a world of individuals who DO Not (do good toward others) but who primarily focus upon their own desires, their own calendars, and their interests?
On any given day, on which side do we (the believers, the followers of God) belong?

Now that question just hurts, or maybe more accurately, the ANSWER to that question brings a realization that we (who believe in God and are called according to His grace) may be quite self-centered, blend-in, not stand out type of people, just like the rest of the world.

• Do we help others when it’s convenient to our schedules?
• Do we help others if it’s not heavy upon our bank account?
• Do we help others when we feel generous or when others may be present and watching?
• Do we help others quietly with no one seeing BUT the ONE who we are helping?
• Do we help others when it feels convenient?
• Do we help others when the world is watching us help, when we are part of a larger crowd of “GOOD—doers”?
• Do we help others anonymously so that even the one being helped is not even aware from whom their help comes?
• Do we help others so that God only can be seen through the action?
• Do we help others when God speaks to our heart and says, “Move.  Go help this person today.”

Those questions that are the questions for this day?
What EXACTLY is our motivation for helping others, for DOING good? &  Are we “DOERS” of the “Good” as God’s Holy Spirit leads us to DO—–for no other reason than we are obediently following God’s will?!!!!!!!!!!!

There are so many biblical references that are applicable to today’s thoughts; however, let us focus upon these passages. 

The Gauls were a people who were most similar to Americans. In writing to them, the Apostle Paul ended his letter with these words—

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”

(Galatians 6:9-10)

WHY?
Why believe Paul?
Why do as he instructs us to do?
Just a few verses back, Paul also wrote these words—

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement,
[the statement Paul spoke of came to us from the voice of Almighty God]
YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”

(Galatians 5:13-14)

Again, WHY?
Why believe Paul?

The Apostle John wrote in his third letter (one written to a lady and her children).

“Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. 
And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments [God’s].
This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.”

(1 John 1:5-6)

And again….

“One of them, a lawyer, [also a Pharisee] asked Him a question, testing Him, [testing Jesus Christ]
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”
And He said to him,  [JESUS said these words]   “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.
This is the great and foremost commandment. 
The second is like it,   YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. 
On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

(Matthew 22:35-40)

And finally, Moses wrote in the Old Testament….

• We teach these words to our children. 
• We write these words on our hearts.
• We hang these words on the walls of our houses & on the wall of our places of work.
• We may write them on signs that hang in our yards and front stoops.
• We talk these words.
• We even wear t-shirts proclaiming these words.

BUT….
DO WE DO THESE WORDS? 
DO WE LIVE OUT THESE WORDS?
DO WE DO THE FATHER’S WILL FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN—-IT IS OUR FATHER’S WILL!!!

• May we live (out) our faith this day.
• May we move in obedience (to God our Father).
• May we pray, seeking God’s will for this day.
• May we read, studying God’s Holy Word.

And Then….

May we—DO WHATEVER GOD IS ASKING US TO DO—-EVEN IF WE HAVE TO DO IT AFRAID & UNSURE of THE END RESULT!!!
May we live today—WALKING WITH CHRIST, IN TOTAL OBEDIENCE TO GOD, OUR SAVIOR & REDEEMER & LORD.