As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10
The first recorded lie ever told by a human being is in Genesis 4:9, after God asked Cain where his brother was. With Abel’s blood barely dry on his knuckles, Cain lied when he said ‘I know not’. He then uttered the great mantra of uncaring indifference that has been repeated by untold millions ever since: ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ Humanity’s heartless indifference to the needy around us shows that most people simply don’t care. Yes, there are many organizations that raise funds and do good work to help those in need. But a recent report on charities revealed that some of the best-known organizations spend only five cents of every dollar they raise to actually help anybody but themselves. After a massive earthquake tragedy in Haiti a few years ago, former US president Bill Clinton was tasked by then President Obama to raise funds to help the Haitians. And he raised funds, some $14 billion. But a senior Haitian official recently revealed that only a few thousand of that ever made it to Haiti. Where did the rest go? Is Bill Clinton his brother’s keeper or his pocket’s liner? As those sad stories abound, we read today’s text and see how different ought to be the attitude of the Lord’s people.
The book of Acts relates the generosity and sharing of the Christians in Jerusalem in those early days. People shared what they had with others, even going so far as to sell their belongings to have enough money to feed those around them who were hungry. They were obeying the spirit of our text. Doing good to others is what the Lord Jesus did, and it is what we should do. We are to exempt nobody from our responsibility, although our priority should be them who are of the household of faith. Like those early Christians, who rejoiced in their giving, we should find joy in helping others even when it costs us.
Our text begins with words ‘as we have therefore opportunity’. When was the last time you had an opportunity to do good to somebody? If you were looking for such opportunities, it was probably not very long ago. But if you were not looking for such opportunities, you may have to search your memory for an answer. The opportunities are all around us. Whether we see them depends on whether it matters to us that we care and share as our text directs. Did you notice that elderly Christian who longs to be visited and befriended? Did you notice the family that is struggling to meet the needs for winter clothing for their children? Did you notice the confused teenager who was struggling to understand the truths of the Scriptures? Maybe there were opportunities that you missed because you were not looking for them.
There is something wrong with a Christian who doesn’t want to do good to others. There is something wrong with either the eyesight or the attitude of a Christian who can’t see the opportunities. -Jim MacIntosh