3 John 1:11 “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”
That which is evil is contrary to the very nature and will of Almighty God. The consequences of doing evil are almost always destructive, at times even deadly. Instead, copy the kindness and mercy of God in thought, word, and deed. Imitate the behavior of Christ. If you do this, you will show that you are a child of God.
A believer in God displays the his grace, the strength of Christ and the assistance of the Spirit. Without these we would be unable to do good things according to the will of God. Those who do that which is displeasing to the Lord need to have the attitude of Job when he said, “Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” [Job 42:6] Isaiah, upon seeing God, says “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” [Isaiah 6:5] Like Job, the prophet Isaiah knew he was unworthy to be in God’s presence. And they were considered righteous men. Those who practice evil are doomed and don’t even know it.
In addition to doing good, one must not hinder those others from doing good. This is sinful behavior and is displeasing to our Lord. Let’s make one thing clear, Jesus said only God is good, not himself nor anyone else. [Mark 10:18] So I must assume that those who are good are of God and not separated from him. Non-believers can do what would be considered ‘good’ deeds, but only God knows their true heart’s motivation. Many in this world do good for the recognition it brings them. Pride and arrogance come before a tremendous fall. It is those who surrender their own will in favor of God’s that will be deemed good, righteous, and holy in the end. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: John Gill's Exposition of the Bible
No comments:
Post a Comment