Do Good

There is an expectation for Christ followers to be charitable … to “do good.” We find this concept throughout the Bible, and Jesus addresses it in the greatest sermon ever preached. According to Jesus, it is not “if” we do good, but “when” we do good (Matthew 6:2–3). The Lord places an emphasis not just on charitable deeds but the motive for our good works.

There are times when children will carry out actions with the hope of getting noticed by their parents or caregivers. They may even cry out, “Watch me” as they attempt a new feat. They want to “do good” and win the approval and the praise of others. This is normal behavior for a child seeking attention, but it can be troublesome in an adult.

It is natural for men to seek the praise of others. It feeds our ego, and perhaps it makes us feel more important. This was certainly the case for the religious leaders in Jesus’ day. When they did charitable deeds, it was more important for them to gain the attention of those watching than to help those with a genuine need. They were motivated by the praise of men.

A life of faith should lead to good works, but the motivation to do good deeds should not be to gain the praise of men (James 2:26). Jesus made it clear that when we seek the praise of men, that praise is the reward. It is far better to do good, to be charitable, in secret, and know that our Father has seen it and will reward us openly.

You have the ability to do good, bless others, and honor God. You don’t have to be wealthy to be a blessing to others. You just need to be willing to do good. When Jesus talks about being charitable, the emphasis is on the giving of yourself to meet the needs of others without regard to recognition. You have been blessed to be a blessing. Therefore, do good, bless others, and honor God.

Reflective Questions

1. Have you ever struggled with the desire for recognition for doing good deeds?
2. How is your faith revealed in your works?
3. How is the Lord honored when you do good deeds in secret?

Memory Verse

3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. Matthew 6:3-4 (NKJV)

Prayer

Dear God, help me to focus on others and to serve others. I want to do good, and I want to do it genuinely. I know You see all that I do, and I thank You for that. Help me in my motivation to do good that it is to please You and not for the praise of others.

Related Scriptures

Matthew 23:1–7; John 12:42–43; Hebrews 6:10; I John 3:17-19; Jeremiah 17:10; Jeremiah 23:24