Do Good

Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. [3 John 1.11b]

How simple is that?

Now first, it is important to remember that the statement above is in reference to the actions of a man named Diotrephes.  This man was a leader in the church and apparently had some erroneous ideas about how things should be.

John's statement above was never meant to be used by just anyone claiming that their good works proved they were Christians!  No, John was indicating that one who claimed Christianity would prove those claims by the way they live!

I know this sounds like double-speak, but it is not.

A policeman is first a policeman before he upholds the law.  However, he upholds the law because he is a policeman.  Just because a person obeys the law does not make them a policeman - that is a totally separate thing.  And just because a person does good does not mean they are a Christian!  However, just as a genuine policeman will uphold the law, so a genuine Christian will do good.

I know it is a pitiful analogy I have presented here, but I think it sort of conveys the idea.

Father, I want to do right by You in doing right by my fellow believers.  I don't want to do this SO You will accept me, but BECAUSE You have accepted me!