Doing Good and Being Good
The Heart of Christian Living
Excerpted from my recent book The Jesus Style Life: A Practical Guide to Living in the Way of Jesus. (Check it out at https://stan.store/iannschonken/p/the-jesus-style-life for a 30% discount over Amazon. If you prefer Kindle or paperback: Go to Amazon please.)
In the Christian walk, we often hear the call to “do good” as a reflection of our faith. This idea is not only a moral obligation but a divine expectation rooted in the very nature of God. But what does it mean to truly “do good,” and how does this connect to “being good”?
In this edition, we will explore the biblical foundation for doing good, the connection between our actions and our identity, and how we can align our lives with the goodness of God.
In Acts 10:38, we read about Jesus:
“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” (NIV).
This verse encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ ministry—He was both good and did good because God was with Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this goodness in our lives.
The Biblical Foundation for Doing Good
The concept of doing good is deeply embedded in Scripture, beginning with God’s own nature. The Bible describes God as good, and His goodness is evident in all His works. In Genesis 1, after creating the world, God saw that everything He had made was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). This divine goodness is the standard by which we are called to live.
God’s Goodness as the Model
In Psalm 145:9, we read, “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” God’s goodness is not selective or conditional; it extends to all creation. As His children, we are called to emulate this goodness, showing kindness, mercy, and love to all people, regardless of their background or behavior.
This unconditional goodness can be challenging in a world that often rewards self-interest and punishes altruism. Yet, the call to do good is not dependent on the actions of others but on the character of God. We do good because God is good, and as His image-bearers, we are to reflect His nature in the world.
The Command to Do Good
Throughout the New Testament, the call to do good is reinforced as an essential aspect of Christian living. In Galatians 6:9-10, Paul writes:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
This highlights both the perseverance required in doing good and the scope of our responsibility—to all people, with special emphasis on our fellow believers.
Doing good is not just about random acts of kindness; it is about living a life marked by goodness, where our actions consistently reflect the love and grace of God. This requires intentionality and a commitment to aligning our lives with the teachings of Christ.
The Connection Between Being and Doing
While doing good is a critical aspect of the Christian life, it cannot be separated from being good. Our actions flow from our character, and true goodness begins with who we are in Christ. To do good consistently, we must first be transformed by the goodness of God.
In Romans 12:2, Paul urges believers:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This transformation is not a one-time event but a continual process of becoming more like Christ. Being good is not about adhering to a set of rules or standards; it is about allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, changing our hearts and minds so that our actions naturally reflect the goodness of God.
As we grow in our relationship with Christ, our character is shaped by His love, and we begin to desire what is good, just, and true.
The Fruit of the Spirit
The connection between being and doing is beautifully illustrated in Galatians 5:22-23, where Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
These qualities are not simply actions we perform; they are characteristics we embody as we live in step with the Spirit. Goodness, as a fruit of the Spirit, is both who we are and what we do. It is the natural outflow of a life rooted in Christ.
When our identity is grounded in Him, our actions will reflect His goodness, and we will naturally do good because it is who we are.
Practical Applications of Doing and Being Good
Understanding the importance of doing good and being good is essential, but how do we apply this in our daily lives? It involves intentional choices, active faith, and a commitment to living out the principles of the Kingdom of God.
Doing Good in Everyday Life
Doing good does not always require grand gestures; it often manifests in the small, everyday choices we make. It’s in the decision to be patient with a difficult coworker, to help a neighbor in need, or to speak kindly when we’re tempted to be harsh.
Consider the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. The Samaritan didn’t set out to do something extraordinary; he simply saw a need and responded with compassion. He did good by being attentive to the situation and choosing to act in love, even when it was inconvenient.
In our own lives, doing good might look like volunteering our time, giving generously, or simply being present for someone who is struggling. It’s about being open to the opportunities God places before us and responding with a heart of service.
The Impact of Being Good
While our actions are important, they must be rooted in a heart that seeks to honor God. Being good is about cultivating a character that reflects Christ, allowing His love to transform our hearts so that our actions are genuine and not just for show.
In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus warns against doing good deeds to be seen by others:
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
True goodness is not about seeking recognition but about honoring God through our actions, even when no one else is watching.
This inward transformation is what empowers us to do good consistently, regardless of the circumstances. When our hearts are aligned with God’s will, doing good becomes a natural expression of who we are, not a burdensome obligation.
Overcoming Barriers to Doing Good
Despite our best intentions, there are times when doing good can be difficult. We may face obstacles such as fear, doubt, or even the pressures of daily life that distract us from our calling. However, Scripture provides guidance on how to overcome these barriers.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds us:
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Fear is often one of the biggest barriers to doing good, but God has given us the power to overcome it. When we rely on His strength rather than our own, we can step out in faith and do good, even in challenging situations.
Another barrier is the temptation to become weary in doing good, especially when we don’t see immediate results. Galatians 6:9 encourages us:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Perseverance is key. Even when it feels like our efforts are unnoticed or unappreciated, we must trust that God is at work, and in His timing, our efforts will bear fruit.
The Eternal Perspective of Doing Good
As Christians, our motivation for doing good goes beyond the immediate impact; it is rooted in an eternal perspective. We do good not only to make a difference in this life but to lay up treasures in heaven.
Jesus speaks of rewards for those who do good in Matthew 25:34-40, where He describes the final judgment. The righteous are commended for their acts of kindness—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned. Jesus says:
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
This passage reminds us that our good deeds have eternal significance. They are not just nice things we do for others; they are acts of service to Christ Himself. When we serve others, we are serving God, and He promises to reward us for our faithfulness.
Our acts of goodness can also leave a lasting legacy. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus encourages us to let our light shine before others, “that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” The good we do in this life can inspire others to turn to God, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond our own lifetime.
Consider the impact of individuals like Mother Teresa, whose life of selfless service continues to inspire people around the world. Her legacy of goodness is a testament to the power of living a life devoted to doing good for the glory of God.
While not all of us will have the global influence of someone like Mother Teresa, each of us has the potential to make a significant impact in our own sphere of influence. Whether it’s in our families, our workplaces, or our communities, the good we do can point others to Christ and inspire them to live out their faith in meaningful ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, doing good and being good are inseparable aspects of the Christian life. Our actions must flow from a heart that is aligned with God’s will, and our identity in Christ must be the foundation for all that we do. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we are empowered to do good in ways that reflect His love and goodness to the world.
Let us strive to live lives marked by goodness, not for our own recognition, but for the glory of God. In doing so, we fulfill the calling of Christ to be His hands and feet in the world, bringing hope, healing, and the light of the Gospel to those around us.
May we not grow weary in doing good, but continue to serve with joy, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Reflection Questions
How does your understanding of God’s goodness influence your actions?
In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to do good? What barriers are you facing?
How can you cultivate a heart that seeks to do good for the glory of God rather than for personal recognition?
Excerpted from my recent book The Jesus Style Life: A Practical Guide to Living in the Way of Jesus. (Check it out at https://stan.store/iannschonken/p/the-jesus-style-life for a 30% discount over Amazon. If you prefer Kindle or paperback: Go to Amazon please.)