So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. – Galatians 6:10
A study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the average person who has lived 70 years has spent 23 years sleeping, 16 years working, 8 years watching television, 6 years eating, 4 years being sick, 2 years getting dressed, and about half a year practicing his religion. What if the average 70-year-old took half of the time spent watching television and put it into doing good to others?
Chapter 6 of Galatians includes principles for living a God-honoring life: share one another’s burdens, sow the seeds of the Gospel, support spiritual teachers, do good, and don’t give up! The bottom line is to be other-centered rather than centered on self. God wants you to take advantage of the opportunities He places before you to help others—especially fellow believers—and He has given you the means to do so. For some, it could involve financial help, for others, the gift of time. Perhap you share your talents in ways that alleviate the distress of another. Follow the example of Jesus, who said, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4). Let the Holy Spirit be your guide. He will give you the strength and the direction you need.
Time is golden. Your days have been numbered. The Lord has given you freedom in how you spend your time. How are you investing it? Make the most of the opportunities you have to serve others. Remember the words of Jesus, who said, “Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). Pray for those working in government agencies tasked with caring for the welfare of others.
Today’s Verse: Galatians 6:10
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Galatians 6:1-10
6 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.
6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
