Tag Archives: good deeds

December 3
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“So then, if we do not do the good we know we should do, we are guilty of sin.” (James 4:17, Good News Translation)

You will not find a more simple, direct, or pure definition of sin than what is written in today’s scripture verse.

This definition does not cover all sin, but it does address what we refer to as “sins of omission”: Knowing but not doing. Following this principle, it might also be said that we sin when we have but do not share what we have with others.

James’ letter is, I think, the most practical book in the New Testament. It addresses the common issues of our life as disciples of Jesus, and is well worth the 15 minutes or so it would take even a slow reader (like myself) to cover its five, short, chapters.

James reminds us that we need not sin.  Do you believe it?  – Luther

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November 30
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“He knows about everyone, everywhere. Everything about us is bare and wide open to the all-seeing eyes of our living God; nothing can be hidden from him to whom we must explain all that we have done.”  (Hebrews 4:13, The Living Bible)

Some people seem surprised at the capacity of today’s technology to see all, hear all, to record all — and with our inability to keep for long any of it a secret.

Of greater concern than the public revelation of our deeds and misdeeds to our neighbors is the fact that we each “must explain all of that we have done” to our Creator.

An important element of discipleship is accountability.  Can you and I, as stewards of the blessings and gifts of God, account for how we’ve spent our years of living; or how we’ve used the gifts we’ve received; or how we’ve taken advantage of the many opportunities presented to us?  God’s word reminds us that no secret will be hidden forever; what was done in the secrecy of a basement — good or evil — shall be published to all from the rooftops, to our affirmation (good deeds) or to our shame and undoing (poor stewardship and evil deeds ).

For these reasons, do all that you can to engage with opportunities for good; to enlarge your influence for the sake of good; and to equip yourself (mentally, physically, morally, and spiritually) with the tools for the blessed task at hand, so that you may have no reason for shame on the Day of Accountability.  – Luther

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November 22
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“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13, NIV)

Deeds done in humility are particularly fragrant because the person performing the deed is not doing it to draw attention to herself. Wisely, she sees a higher purpose and a bigger plan in play.

The greatest deeds, by God’s estimation, are performed in obscurity; the left hand unaware of what the right hand has done. The greatest deeds provide help to the helpless; hope to the hopeless; and empower the disenfranchised.

Everyone — regardless of title or status — can live a life of humble service to others and to God. Make this your ambition.  – Luther

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