Trying to Do Good

We often defend ourselves by talking about good intentions or blaming others for the wrong that we believe they did. However, if our intentions were truly honorable, we would have acted with compassion instead of judgment. In God’s view, good hearts are valued over good works.

In Matthew 12:7, Jesus says, ” And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.” Sometimes, in our efforts to do what is right, we can become heartless and judge others. Let’s ask God to fill us with His compassion and mercy.

Inside Track

Sometimes, we or other people may come upon significant information that others do not possess. This information may help us make good and beneficial decisions. Too often, we hear of people misusing insider information only for their own good. This information is not shared with others in an effort to gain more selfish benefit for the hearer. Imagine that someone possessed information regarding an effective cure for cancer, but did not share it with the world until this person gained maximum selfish benefit. We would be appalled and furious with this person.

Ephesians 1:9-10 says, “making known to us the mystery o his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fulness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” We have been given the most precious inside information concerning God’s will for us and for all people. This information is that God is bringing all things regarding salvation and eternity together in Christ. He wants us to be the messengers of this mystery to all people.

Required Improvements

Every new thing created by men will need improvements. New technology can always be made better. Science is always finding new ways to benefit humans, but the first try is generally not the best product. We are always finding ways to make relationships better and even to eat healthier and live longer.

Hebrews 8:6 says, “But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.” Under the old covenant, people were required to make frequent sacrifices for sins. But under the new covenant, Christ made the perfect and complete sacrifice for all sins. Under the old covenant, people were fearful that their works were not sufficient to please God. Under the new covenant of Christ, we can know that we have been saved by faith through grace. The new covenant of Jesus Christ is perfect and complete, never to be changed or improved upon.

Life Giving Words

Some people are gifted with the ability to offer meaningful encouragement when appropriate. Their words are refreshment for the discouraged or despairing soul. We need more of these people in our world and we should aspire to be speakers of encouragement. But even these words have limited impact for our lives.

John 6:63 says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” Our human nature is incapable of producing genuine spiritual life, only inadequate replicas. We must turn to God’s Word for life that is abundant and eternal. We can rely upon God’s Spirit to teach us these words of spirit and life.

Account For Needs

Suppose someone generously set up a bank account for your needs. Everytime you had a need you could go to the bank and withdraw the necessary funds. However, if you just wanted some luxury item, your attempt to withdraw funds would be denied. This account would cover all types of needs; house and car repairs, food, utilities, health care costs, and anything else necessary for life.

Romans 8:31-32 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Think about this truth that God is for us, as evidenced that He did not withhold the sacrifice of His own son so that we might receive salvation. If He thus gave us His best, will He withhold anything else that we need? He will provide for all our needs; physical, spiritual, mental and emotional, and relational.