By Betty Hertz
8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. - Galatians 6:8-10 (NIV)
Paul was addressing the people of Galatia. Most were Gentile Christians - a minority trying to understand how to follow Jesus’ teachings. The words speak about being patient as we strive to do good.
This passage reinforces John Wesley's Second Rule: Do Good. Wesley was known for his constant self-examination of his actions as he tried to assess whether he was following Jesus. In 1738, as way to check on his actions, Wesley wrote in his journal: “The rules are the life of God in the soul; the image of God fresh stamped on the soul.”
“God fresh stamped on my soul” - that is a great image for me as I consider how I am living rule two: do good. In reviewing my actions related to the homeless, I thought I have done good works through donations, through homeless shelter work, through food pantry calling. However, I realized when I read “whenever I have the opportunity work for good,” I fall short. This realization came to me Monday evening as I watched the local news talk about the Assembly meeting in which the topic would be a discussion of where homeless shelters and transitional housing should be located. The piece included an interview with a concerned citizen. I found myself mumbling about what does that person know, then I paused. Did I go to that meeting to speak up for those I care about? No. I didn't take the opportunity! There are more actions I can take. I can sow more seeds of goodness and patiently wait for the reaping of the harvest.
I am thankful that God works to keep me honest and to help me do good.
I'm including a quote that John Wesley is credited with saying but never did. I believe it is a good embellishment of Rule Two: Do Good.
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
Betty Hertz is a longtime member of St John UMC, a Stephen Minister and a member of SPRC. When not doing volunteer work, she is playing with her three goofy dogs.