Dale Ridge church of Christ

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.” (Proverbs 3:27)

Jesus “went about doing good.” He withheld nothing, not even His own life, but rather “emptied Himself” and became a “servant.”

All of us have good intentions! We readily recognize the good that needs to be done. But intentions are like ghosts haunting a dwelling. They need bodies! Action!

What Solomon said in the above verse was just another way of saying, “Do not procrastinate.” Procrastination is fatal to good impulses, however strong they may be. Tomorrow has been called “the most dangerous word in any language.” The Psalmist said, “I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.” (119:60) Someone asked Alexander the Great how he conquered the world. His reply was “by not delaying.” The person in need today may be beyond your reach tomorrow. Words of kindness, encouragement, and praise need to be spoken today. Acts of goodness and love are needed today. Again, Solomon advises, “Do not say…..go, and come again…tomorrow….” (Proverbs 3:28) Your impulse may not be as great tomorrow and need is increased by our delay. Thinking too long about doing a thing often becomes its undoing.

To put off doing good until tomorrow violates the greatest rule ever given for human relations, the “golden rule.” (Matthew 7:12) “Doing unto others as we would have them do unto us” actually says it all when it comes to our dues toward others. Jesus summed it up best when He said, “…this is the law and the prophets.”

There are so many people in the church here who are constantly doing good things for those in need, both in the church and out. May the Lord bless you richly for your love and compassion and may your actions inspire others to do the same.

All of us have the potential of being a great blessing to all those around us, especially those in need, both physically and spiritually. Coach Bear Bryant once said, “Potential never won a football game.” In fact, potential alone never gets anything accomplished. Act! Do it now!

Charles Cash

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Filed under: Charles Cash, Devotional on February 10th, 2009