IT'S GOOD TO BE GOOD

          “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). Sins can be committed in the areas of commission, omission, or disposition. The world of Noah's day was filled with people who were guilty of sins of commission and disposition. "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). Their evil hearts led to evil lives! It would be very easy to compare the world that we live in with that world because evil is so prevalent everywhere we look. There is much evil in our day, but there is also a lot of good being done by good people as well. When tragedies such as storms, fires, sickness, etc. occur, many good people rally to give aid and help to the suffering. The majorities of them are led by church groups (or Christian organizations) who know to do good and are doing it as well. The United States rallies to the needs of other nations in times of their difficulties because of the influence of Christianity in this nation. We are one nation under God and I believe He is the God Who sent His only begotten Son into the world to save sinners! Good Christians do good!

          There are numerous Scriptures that encourage Christians to live lives that are filled with goodness. Several will be given with little comment to save space.

          We have been blessed so that we can give to those in need. Solomon wrote, "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it" (Proverbs 3:27). Paul wrote that a man should not only work to supply for his own family, but that by "working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth" (Ephesians 4:28).

           There are New Testament examples other than the Apostles who were common people, yet whose lives were filled with goodness. Notice how Barnabas is described, "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord" (Acts 11:24). We sure don't want to leave the ladies out, so consider how Tabitha is described, "Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did" (Acts 9:36). The life of a New Testament type Christian must be filled with goodness. Many more examples could also be given!

          When Peter was directed to go to the house of Cornelius in Acts 9, he had to introduce those Gentiles to the person of Jesus Christ. Cornelius was there serving the Roman Empire but he had seen goodness in the lives of Christians that he wanted for himself. Peter had the privilege of telling him the goodness he saw in Christians was due to their dedication to their Savior who had set the example for them. "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him" (verse 38). How can one be a Christian (Christ like) without being good?

          There is no way God can be pleased with us unless we are being good and doing good! "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Hebrews 13:6).

           Our text verse states a sin is being committed when one who knows to do good is not obedient in doing good. That is the sin of omission to not do what we know is good to do. This covers all facets of your life! Samson said it would be sin for him if he did not pray for his people! "Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way" (1 Samuel 12:23).

          It is good for you to do good and encourage others in all the good they are doing! From the above texts, many were led to salvation after seeing the saved doing good in their lives!