Today’s devotion comes from Galatians 6:6-10.
“The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 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. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Galatians 6:6-10.
—————-
“He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.
First, there is the element of doing justice in doing good.
In this sense, we read in today’s Scripture: “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.” Verse 6. “Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due.” Romans 4:4.
Likewise, we read elsewhere in Scripture.
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in your power to do it.” Proverbs 3:27.
Second, there is the element of loving kindness in doing good.
In this sense, we read in today’s Scripture: “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Verse 10.
Third, there is the element of walking humbly with God in doing good.
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:25-26.
Now, let us remember how much we need the Spirit in order to do good.
Our natural condition according to the flesh is one summarized by Reformed Doctrine as “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation, as more fully taught in the Canons of Dordt.
“10 as it is written,
“There is none righteous, not even one;
11 There is none who understands,
There is none who seeks for God;
12 All have turned aside, together they have become useless;
There is none who does good,
There is not even one.” Romans 3:10-12.
Our hope is not our alleged free-will according to the flesh. We know what is good, but we do not do it.
But, there is hope!
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10.
“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 