Moment With The Master
“Let Us Do Good”
Categories: Moment With The MasterTherefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)
A disciple must not be satisfied until he does all and becomes all his master wishes. In the fifth chapter of Galatians, we are instructed to put away the works of the flesh. However, if we think that putting away worldly things is all Jesus requires, we are sorely mistaken. The follower of Christ must also learn to be a servant. (Galatians 5:13, 14), and he must emulate the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22)
In chapter 6 Paul continues these thoughts with the principle of sowing and reaping. (Galatians 6:9) We must not sow the seeds of fleshy desires. But, we must sow seeds that will reap the fruit of goodness in others. Sowing to the Spirit involves “doing good to all men”. Consider some of the features of this command.
The adjective “good” is commonly used to designate what is morally excellent. Here this word is qualified by the context. Thus, “doing good” would involve restoring an erring brother. (Galatians 6:1) It would involve sharing the load when the burden becomes too heavy. (Galatians 6:2) We often think of “good’ in the sense of physical benevolence. However, the emphasis in this context is “soul good”. The greatest gift the disciple of Christ can give is not bread for the table (John 6:27), but bread for the eternal soul. (John 6:35)
Paul says this command is to be executed when opportunity arises. The imperative is to be obeyed while we have the “season” for doing so, for the time will come (Galatians 6:9) when there will be no more sowing, only reaping. Thus, while we have life with our mental and physical capacities, we must be vigilant in seeking opportunities to “do good”. Our objective must not be prompted by when it is convenient for us, but by an obligation to meet the spiritual needs of others.
We are commanded to “do good to all men”. Here Paul means both saints and non-saints alike. We know this because he includes the saints with the phrase: especially to those who are of the household of faith. We must be interested in the spiritual welfare of all men, but especially of those of our spiritual household.
There are many discouragements in well-doing. We may not care for the discomforts it brings. There are times when a solution seems impossible, or it appears that others are not cooperating, but we must not be weary. This present life is the season for well-doing. In the next life, we will no longer be reclaiming sinners. In the morning let us sow generously. In the evening we will reap, if we do not lose heart.
By George Slover
