Bible Verse: “…eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:14b)
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:32-37
My teacher told us about a man who spent his whole life doing good. One of his last acts of financial generosity was to simplify his pre-paid funeral so he could give the money saved to a camp he’d supported for years.
Fast forward.
He died and was buried in an unadorned plywood box.
Those at the graveside were invited to come and decorate his coffin by writing stories of his good life.
If you died today and were buried in a similar coffin, what would those in attendance write about you?
Would they write of a life full of good deeds?
Before I press this further, remember the Gospel. Our righteousness is not from what people would or wouldn’t write on the coffin; it’s from Christ (Philippians 3:9). We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)!
Cling to that foundation, but also, please consider what sort of life God intends to build upon that foundation.
One of the greatest aids or impediments to sharing our faith is whether or not we’re living lives devoted to service.
Francis Chan writes, “We expect people to be captivated by our speech (verbal evangelism) when our lifestyles are not that compelling. We pat ourselves on the back when we can showcase some happy families with virgin children who don’t swear.”[1]
That’s not a bad thing—but is this all God intends for us?
Could someone describe you as “eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:14b)?
Do you wake up most days thinking about helping and serving people in and beyond your family and closest friends?
Is your life full of good deeds or sprinkled with them?
When God’s people act like God’s people, sharing our faith goes better.
Some of you gents have been on this path for years. Pause, thank God for what He’s done in you, and keep going: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
People are drawn to Jesus’ remarkable life of service. The Gospels are His plywood box, and they are covered in stories of His goodness.
When the Church looks like our Lord, people are more responsive to the Gospel. Something in us longs to live a life of service and be part of a community doing the same.
Who can you serve today?
Prayer: Lord, give me a heart of service and help me persevere. Give me the courage to die to myself that I might live for You and others. Fill me with the joy You promise those who follow You. Amen.
Reflection: Is your life sprinkled with good deeds or full of them? What sorts of good deeds do you gravitate towards, and which do you avoid? Ask the Lord what He’s saying to you as you consider these questions.
[1] Letters to the Church by Francis Chan.
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