While we are to love those around us and serve the “least of these” doing it all out of love of our Father, is it really the gospel to simply “do good” for people? Yes, it is good to do good. That can be a fruit of the Spirit, having compassion for our fellow humans, feeding the hungry, clothing the homeless or leaving a big tip for the waitress that happens to not have given the greatest service, but looked to be frazzled.
Are those things biblical? Sure, I guess you could find scriptural basis for those things, but those things are meant to show the gospel to a dying and lost world. When you give a homeless man a pair of socks are you telling him of his need for a Savior or is it just a good deed? A deed that for yourself lifts you up because you did a good thing, but did you do the most loving thing and share what Christ has done for you? When you are handing out sandwiches at the community lunch pantry is the gospel shared? True, Jesus used earthly things to draw a crowd, but they knew why they were there, to hear the truth of Christ. There was no doubt that they were going to hear a message about repentance and faith in God. Their bellies were jus the means used to get a group of people together, and then the real food was given. The bread of life was offered freely to the masses of people. Some took of the bread, others did not, but it was offered.
I am not dissing doing good deeds at all. I am just wondering why so many, do so much, while saying so little. I know Jesus said if you do something to the least of these, it’s as if you are doing it for Him (Matthew 25:44-46), but is that supposed to be the end? Are we to only give a cup of water to the thirsty and not use that opportunity to tell them about Christ? Are we to mow the neighbors yard and him just think we are a swell guy. I’d say no. I think our actions do speak volumes, but anyone can do good deeds or works. I’m sure many atheists are “good” people and do kind things. Look at Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, probably the two most well known philanthropists ever known, are they Christians? My research is inconclusive, but leans toward a no answer. Neither have shared their beliefs in the philanthropic giving that has been published. Which proves my point entirely. If Buffet or Gates were Christians and gave money away like they do they would want others to know what drives them to do so. They would use their money, their gifts from God, to say “Here’s a million bucks to spend as you please, but let me tell you why I am giving this to you, what the hope that lies within me is, what God has done for me and I want to share it with you.” Isn’t that the same as working in a food pantry or giving a guy a ride on the highway? Wouldn’t it be the opportune time to share the Gospel with that person and not just leave him thinking that you were just a swell guy or gal?
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
I think that verse pretty much sums up my ranting here. Whatever you do, do it to glorify your Father, not take the glory for yourself. Tell the people you are serving food to what Christ has done for you. Don’t let your neighbor just think you are a nice person for mowing their yard, tell them about all the things God has given you and how you wanted to share that with them.
1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
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