Are You Being Good Today?

Well, are you? Or are your emotions running away with you? Are you upset about something? Are you super busy and just can’t seem to find the time to really slow down? Or are you simply having a splendid day? The reason why I’m asking you all of these questions are because in spite of it all, no matter how we feel or what we’ve got scheduled on our loaded calendars today, God still requires that we be good to others around us. The reason being is simply because we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Furthermore, one great and spectacular way to accomplish this great mission is by displaying His amazing character trait called “goodness”.

It’s actually a delicious fruit of the Spirit. Galations 5:22-23 says so -“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” There you have it! There is no law against sharing the goodness of God. That’s what “against such there is no law” means. So instead of the freedom of speech method here, we have the freedom of action! Yay! Goodness…so let’s do it (without murmuring and complaining that we have to stop whatever we’re doing to do something for someone else).

I know this to be true, because just today (Saturday – at the time of writing this), I had my morning all planned out. I was going to hit the coffee pot (just for me on this particular morning…my husband doesn’t drink coffee anyway), and get ready to sit down to write my blog for this week. However, God knew that there were a few other women who were going to be in need of a fresh hot cup of coffee as well. So lo and behold, as I dropped my daughter off to her little girlie outing, some of the women were asking for “coffee”. Yet, in spite of the work that I knew that was before me, I willingly scurried off and went to brew another pot. And not only did I brew another pot, but I brought all the trimmings so they could season it to their taste (not my own).

Now when I walked back through the door, the women were elated! Yet, I made sure that I gave God genuine praise by saying openly, “Praise the Lord!” God knew what these ladies needed and they expressed that in their own way. And it was indeed a pleasure serving them…However, it’s so important to note here that when we do good deeds for people, it’s not for our glory or self-praise; but for others to see that God loves them and is being good to them. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

So you see, bringing these sweet women coffee was truly an expression of God’s goodness…not my own. The Bible clearly says that, “No flesh shall glory in His presence.” (1 Corinthians 1:29) Meaning, don’t try to take credit or boast for what you’ve done. 1 Corinthians 1:31 goes on to say, “The person who wishes to boast should boast only of what the Lord has done.” So instead, we should simply thank Him for the opportunity, make our boast in the Lord, and give Him all the glory. Yes, that takes a humbling of our pride…but it’s so worth it! (Read Proverbs 29:23)

I believe God wants to use many of us as vessels and instruments for greater use for His service in these latter times, if we’re willing and obedient. And not only that, but the Lord longs to be gracious to us. He wants to bless us in ways that are far beyond our imagination and expectations as we make it our business to bless others when He quickens us. Keeping in mind, we shouldn’t be doing good deeds to get things from God. I need to make that very clear, because that wouldn’t be right at all. But when we do it with the right motive, timing, and out of a willing heart of obedience unto the Lord, that’s when it becomes an added benefit to us in God’s due time! The Bible says in Isaiah 1:19, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” Yum!

On that note…let me close by saying this. For me, it was serving coffee, for you it may be giving someone a ride, buying a gift to brighten someone’s day, singing a song, giving a word of encouragement, helping to complete an assignment, or ministering a dance. Whatever the case, it’s a form of God’s amazing character of goodness being displayed through you to others. Remember, Jesus didn’t come to be served, He came to serve. So while none of us are actually “good” as Jesus said in Mark 10:18…we are called to share the goodness of God by being a blessing to those around us, so that they can praise our Father in heaven.

Oh WAIT! Guess what? I have to share this! Wow! My hubby just walked in the room as I was writing this actual blog post and told me that someone has blessed us with a beautiful bedroom set for our newly built home! YAY! Praise the Lord of heaven! Thank YOU for Your BENEFITS! And bless the givers in return Lord for doing a good deed. God is soooo GOOD! Wow…that was quick! Hey, have a good day today guys, and don’t forget to be a blessing! 😀   

Remember Jesus is coming back soon. Let’s get ready from the Inside Out.

~Courtnaye

Thanks for reading! Like, comment, or share from my Facebook Fan Page and “Like” it while you’re there ( http://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye). Also feel absolutely free to leave a comment here! I’d love to get your feedback! I pray that God will continue to enlighten you to live for Him through His word in your daily life. Stay tuned for new blog posts every Monday at 7:30am on Inside Out with Courtnaye @  www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org.  Also, follow me on Twitter by inoutwcourtnaye. Thanks again![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]