BE MINDFUL TO BE A BLESSING - PART 4

MONDAY 10 JULY 2023

Today's focus is on the last part of the versified statement in our referenced Scripture: "We will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." More below!

Reference: Galatians 6:9 New Living Translation (NLT) "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."

The Douay-Rheims Bible says, "And in doing good, let us not fail. For in due time we shall reap, not failing." This interpretation gives a more impressive sense than other translations I've come across, because failure in such operation should never be justified - in our Christian life. The statement occurs in the sense that the authority of reaping a harvest is against "giving up."

The gospel noted that we are created for good works (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). To walk fully in this divine purpose, you must have the word of Christ richly in you (Colossians 3:16 NIV). Of course, you may know the Word, but if it dwells poorly in you, it will not be enough to sustain your ability to carry on with good works or stay committed to doing what is good, despite fatigue or difficulty. Moreover, we prosper in good works, when we are full of the Scriptures and of the grace of God. And it symbolizes the seat and source of true fulfilment in Christ.

The design of directing your attention to the richness of the Word is to emboss the logo of good works in your inwardness, in order to be solidified with full conviction that what you are doing for the Lord is not in vain, plus to empower you to stand firm in faith, so as to function with that fixed awareness, come what may. Now if you're fully convinced by the Word that doing good is profitable, then you won't faint or give up.

To give up is to lose your determination to offer help or give, to call it a day or probably, to capitulate to the forces of discouragement and despair, due to a sense of uncertainty, when it comes to reaping the reward. Since there is always an apparent tendency to give up in doing what is good, what should we do to refrain from doing so?

The Bible says in the book of Mark: "While Jesus was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly. Leave her alone, said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me" (Mark 14:3-6 NIV).

Considering the understanding gained from the above Scriptures, I can personally admit that being in the midst of the wrong people can discourage you from doing good. With all her heart, the woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, broke the jar and poured the perfume on Jesus' head. But those with the wrong mindset about her good deed were present, and they were filled with indignation, which provoked them to disapprove her action with disheartening words.

Beloved, their reactions were more than enough to discourage her from doing good, possibly next time - if Jesus did not quickly intervene. Got it? This suggests that the right association matters because you need those who will spur you unto good works.

Hebrews 10:24 reads, "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works" (NLT).

In addition, Hebrews 13:16 reads, "Do not forget to do good to others, and share with them, because such sacrifices please God" (NCV). The plentiful interconnection and bond between the people of God who function with the same mindset and share the same interest is considered a favourable atmosphere for accomplishing good works.

Titus 3:8 (NIV) says, "This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." Therefore, let us not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Titus 2:7; Titus 2:14; Titus 3:1; Titus 3:14; James 1:22.

Exuberant Declaration: The Word of God is working in me, granting me the desire and the power to do what pleases God. Hence, I'm swiftly concerned, heartily prompted, and diligently willing to participate in every good work at any given opportunity, when led by the Spirit. Blessed be God!