Devotional Index

February Devotional

Knowing to "Do Good"

James 4:17 shares a solemn reminder to believers, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." How does Scripture define the "good"? There are many examples revealed.

In Luke 10:30-37 a Samaritan gave of his time, talents and treasure to help a stranger who was robbed, beaten and left for dead. Using the Samaritan as an illustration, the Lord commands us to "Go and do thou likewise," v. 37. Doing "good" thus involves helping others in time of need.

In John 8:1-11 the Savior intervened on behalf of a woman accused of adultery. As a result of His intervention the accusers were convicted of their own sin, her life was spared and her sins were forgiven. Doing "good" involved intervening for the lost, confronting sin and encouraging righteousness.

There are many ways believers can still "do good" in our day. Christians are surrounded daily with people that need to hear of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ, and see His love and grace in the lives of His followers. God uses the "good" of Christians as a means to reach the lost, as His Son demonstrated.

We can reflect on the example and experience of the early church and the impact it had on a pagan society. The early church was a complete antithesis of the world. When the world didn't care for unwanted babies, the church took care of them and raised them. When the world cared not for the sick and dying, the church built hospitals to cure and help them. When the world ignored the starving, the church fed them. When the world despised the fatherless, the church built orphanages. When the world shunned the uneducated, the church built institutions to teach reading and writing, often using the Bible as a primary text. Wherever the Gospel message was proclaimed, ministries of "good" accompanied the message of salvation proclaimed (cf. George Grant, Grand Illusions, chap. 12).

In the process of "doing good," God's Word was obeyed, the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ was preached, and many believed the Gospel. Most importantly, God was glorified!

Christian, are you busy doing "good"? At Baptists for Life of Wisconsin, we need Christians from sound Baptist churches who want to "do good" to support the pro-life, evangelistic ministries among fundamental Baptists. You can "do good" by maintaining membership in Baptists for Life of Wisconsin. You can "do good" through prayers, financial support, or volunteering in one of the Pregnancy Care Centers. These ministries need help; they need you. Through pro-life ministry, you can use your time, treasure and talents to help those with spiritual and physical needs. You can minister to the unwanted, the ignored, the despised and the rejected. You can intervene on behalf of the lost confronting their sin and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You can "do good" as you follow His example. "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

—Pastor Richard C. Rogers
Executive Board Member