Galatians 6:10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Aye mih people, once again it’s Friday, and the unseasonable warm weather continues! And it’s supposed to last all through the weekend, so you can imagine the confusion in the northern climes! The barbeques and bikes are already out, now the gatherings on the back porch and decks will certainly intensify. But let us not get too carried away, for the Lord is still in control, and who knows what His agenda is like for next week. The same way we’re having beautiful weather this week, we can have lousy times next week. However, to keep things in the right perspective for this unexpected warm weekend, let’s chant our Friday Chant with much enthusiasm as we wind down the workweek. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ Yes Friends, we need to live a well-balanced life, and the only way to do so successfully is by walking hand in hand with Jesus on this earthly journey. The same thing applies to our Bit: ‘As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ We can’t do that unless the Spirit of Jesus is constantly working in our lives. Bruh Paul’s telling the Galatians, and us too, that we need to seize every opportunity to do good to others, ‘for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.’ (Gal.6:7b) And we know that’s gospel! Meanwhile, in Proverbs, Cousin Sol says it thus: ‘Withhold not good from them to whom it is due (the owners), when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.’ (Prov.3:27-28) That basically means that we must help our needy neighbours and not lie to them, saying we can’t or don’t have, when we very well have and can do what is required of us. Consequently, we are to do good to everyone who crosses our path. As Bruh Paul told Titus about the basis of the Christian ethic: ‘That being justified (declared righteous) by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.’ (Titus 3:7-8) And per the scholars on Chapter 6; Applications of new principles: ‘Contextually, doing good refers to the ministry of restoration (v.1), bearing one another’s burdens (v.2), supporting teachers (v.6), sowing to (living in accord with the leading of) the Spirit (v.8), and general perseverance (v.9). Believers are to minister first unto them who are of the household of faith (Christians), and second, to the rest of the world.’ Just like Bruh Paul declared to the Romans, re the service of LOVE to all: ‘Rejoicing in hope; patient (persevering) in tribulation; continuing instant (steadfastly) in prayer; Distributing to the necessity (needs) of saints (believers); given to hospitality.’ (Rom.12:12-13) However Friends, though we ought to take care of fellow believers first, the long and short of the story is that Christians ought always to do good, regardless of whom we’re doing it to. Let’s remember these awesome words of wisdom and write them indelibly in our hearts, souls and minds. ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart).’ (Gal.6:9) Oh my people, unfortunately our world right now isn’t taken with the idea of doing good. To oneself, yes, but not to others, for we live in a world that glorifies evil and selfishness. And if it is to improve, it’s Christ’s followers, we the believers who will have to bring about that improvement. But sadly, too many of us are also caught up in the selfishness that permeates our society, looking mainly to the things of the earth, rather than to the things of heaven, as Jesus desires. I implore us today, to examine ourselves, and with God’s help, remove any selfishness we find there, because if we don’t remove it, it will eventually, if it hasn’t already, become a stumbling block between you and Jesus. And that’s not a very wise thing to let happen. So let’s try and be kind and generous to all we meet, just like our heavenly Father is kind to us. That’s the only way the LOVE Revolution is going to grow and be successful! Much LOVE!…selfishness breeds selfishness…and goodness breeds goodness…the simple law of sowing and reaping…
SCRIP-BITS 