Conquering the Craziness – Principle #3: Do Good

Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him.” – Acts 10:38

The red shirt caught my eye. He looked young – around the age of my sons.  His cardboard sign was unreadable given the distance, but I sensed it was the typical “will work for food” sign.

I drove past … argued in my mind … then told the Lord, “Okay, I’ll turn around. But You’ll have to give me the words to speak.”

God always comes through. As I slowly pulled alongside this young man, we conversed through my open truck window. Twenty years old, former drug addict, homeless, and looking for a job. His sign requested help and ended with the words “God bless.”

What in the world did I have to offer? A few groceries he politely turned down because someone had just given him a sandwich – “That will probably last me a couple of days.”

So we just chatted: he told me some about his childhood, his job skills, his Christianity and conversion experience. His name. I don’t know what was true or untrue. But I do know that as I pulled away, he sincerely said, “Thank you for talking to me today.”

Heartbreaking. The countless people in the world … in our city/town … on our street … who are hurting.

Friends, we might not have much. But if Christ is our Savior, we have everything! The indwelling Holy Spirit empowers us. God is with us. Whom shall we fear?

Jesus went about doing good. Let’s also seize opportunities to Simply. Do. Good. May these Spirit-inspired acts of kindness comfort the aching souls we encounter.

I still think about this young man. The nights have turned brisk again and I wonder if he’s sleeping in the cold. What will become of him? I pray for him and his deliverance from this sad way of life.

Doing good doesn’t have to overwhelm us – it might be something as small as opening a door for someone, offering an encouraging word, or even preparing meals for our family.  It adds purpose to our lives. As we look beyond ourselves and embrace God’s order for our lives, we’ll find our hectic schedule replaced by His helpful heart. Even in seemingly insignificant ways, we can share Christ’s love. And when all is said and done, isn’t that what life is all about?

NOTE: Click here to be inspired by the song “Live Like That”!

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16