“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).

The very spirit of Christianity is to do good.  Jesus himself went about everywhere doing good (cf. Acts 10:38).  However, it is clear from the teaching of the Bible that not everyone will take advantage of the moment to act on what he knows to do.  Remember the priest and the Levite on the road to Jericho (cf. Luke 10:31-32).  Opportunities abound to influence people for good.  Consider three such opportunities.

1. Winning Souls. Solomon once wrote, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Prov. 11:30).  Jesus knew his purpose in life.  “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34).  That work was to “seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).  There is not a single person in the world that does not need the gospel (cf. Rom. 1:16).  The privilege of sharing the gospel with others is the greatest of activities that a Christian can do for another.  The early church knew it (cf. Acts 8:4).
2. Withstanding Evil. It is a good thing to stand up against evil.  The child of God is a soldier (cf. 2 Tim. 2:3-4) as well as a servant (2 Tim. 2:24).  Paul wrote to the Ephesian congregation, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Eph. 6:10-13).  There will be constant opportunities to show that one is on the Lord’s side.  Peter exhorted, “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ” (1 Peter 3:14-16).
3. Working Together.  Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27).  Philippi was one of those congregations from Macedonia that desired to be a part of the benevolent work of helping the needy (cf. 2 Cor. 8:1-5).  If one looks within any local congregation and even throughout the brotherhood, one will see opportunity after opportunity to help in the work alongside of others who are already working.  Much is accomplished when people work together in the work of the Lord.  Such was the case in the days of Nehemiah (cf. Neh. 4:6; 6:15).  Such was the case in the days of the early church (cf. Col. 1:23).  Unity of brethren in the work of the Lord is truly a good and pleasant thing (cf. Ps. 133:1).  Therefore, seize every opportunity to do good.

Jimmy Clark