Do Good and Share: A Life that Delights the Lord

Some of the stories we read on Facebook, although heartwarming and touching, are probably fictional.

However, this story, shared by my Facebook friend and preaching colleague, Tommy Peeler, really happened. When he posted it, he said the person who shared it with him didn’t want her identity revealed.

So, in Tommy’s words, here’s what happened.

Yesterday, a lady recognized that there was something wrong with her car and went to a repair shop near her home. She did not know how long she would be, so she took her Bible.

Within a few minutes, she received a call and stepped outside for a moment to speak on the phone. When she turned around, it looked like a man had been going through her Bible, and he then walked out quickly. She went over and looked at her Bible, and inside was a $100 bill.

She ran after the man and said, “Sir, you left this.”

He said, “Someone who reads the Bible as much as I can tell you do should be blessed today.”

As the lady was pondering this kindness, another customer was called to the desk. The first lady overheard that they had found more issues with her car than expected, and the bill would be more expensive than initially stated.

This lady sat down looking dejected.

The first lady went over to her and said, “Someone blessed me with this today, and I want to bless you,” and gave her the $100 bill.

The lady looked up in surprise and said, “Thank you! Thank you!”

“Sin and evil run rampant in our world.” Tommy posted, “But it is a beautiful thing to witness real goodness, generosity, and love.”

This story sounds like it could be the basis for a country music song. In fact, it’s actually similar to the Clay Walker song, Chain of Love, written by Rory Feek. It’s a neat story about a man named Joe who helps a woman with a flat tire on a cold, snowy night. Later, the woman stops at a diner and leaves the waitress a large tip. I won’t spoil it for you by giving the details and ending of the song, in case you want to hear it or read the lyrics.

Tommy’s true story and Rory’s song remind us that there is good in the world. It also reminds us of how blessed we are and the stewardship responsibility we have to share with others.

Doing good and sharing are traits that ought to characterize the lives of all Christ-followers. The writer of Hebrews offered this simple, succinct exhortation:

“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. 13:16).

“Do good.” Sounds simple and easy, right? But life’s busyness can get in the way and cause us to “forget.” Our family concerns, daily schedules, and personal goals can negate the good we might do if we would stop and think.

Sharing and doing good requires intentionality. It’s not automatic. It involves a voluntary, willful, and often calculated response. Living a life that matters, a life of significance, a life that blesses others, calls for conscious effort, deliberate action, and a heart of compassion.

Significant, intentional living underscores the truth of Winston Churchill’s observation, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Sharing and doing good may issue itself in…

…Stopping to help a stranded stranger.
…A big tip for a hard-working server.
…Writing an encouraging note to a struggling friend.
…A meaningful gift for an extraordinary achievement.
…Donating to a worthy charity.
…Helping a college student pay their tuition.
…Taking time to listen to the hurt and heartbreak of a friend or brother.
…Going out of your way to visit someone who’s lonely.
…Supporting the ministry of your local church.
…Volunteer work at a hospital or community center.
…Visiting a shut-in.
…Baking cookies and welcoming a new neighbor.
…Remembering a milestone birthday or anniversary of a friend or family member.
…Splurging on a big gift for that special someone or a special group.

I must agree with Anne Frank, who wrote, “No one has ever become poor by giving.”

Doing good and sharing will bring you the ultimate personal satisfaction. Ben Carson was right when he wrote, “Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.”

More importantly, doing good and sharing delights the Lord.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman