One of the childhood joys of the pre-digital era are music boxes. For the unfamiliar, this object is wound up by a key permanently stuck on it, and it plays the same music over and over again. Sometimes, it may have a dancing ballerina or any cute item inside which makes the same movement as long as the music plays.
And there indeed was a charm to it. The music was soft, the melody easy to the ears, and to some extent it is relaxing to listen to. The only caveat is you have to wind it up once it stops. When you get tired of winding you will no longer hear the music, and see the mini dance.
As followers of Jesus, we are encouraged to continue the repetitive “winding” of good deeds in our lives, even if it seems like it is futile. We are called to not grow tired of being kind, patient, humble, and merciful in spite of how others act, because as God’s people, it is our duty to love and care for one another.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10
But how do we truck on, when our good deeds are met with resistance? When in spite of our kindness and sincerity, we still remain subject of rumor mongering? How do we keep forgiving when we are intentionally being hurt? How can we be generous when we know we are being taken advantage of? And how can we remain humble when we are being trampled on?
A God-honoring response to the above question can be found through the Old Testament story of a man named Joseph. When he was younger, he was sold to slavery by his own brothers because they envied him. Even in foreign land, Joseph remained faithful to God and was diligent with his work. He was trusted by one of the highest officials of Egypt and got to be in charge of everything he owned.
While quietly working, he got into trouble because his boss’ wife eyed him and tried to seduce him many times. Since he was a godly man, he shrugged off the advances, only to be sent to jail because the woman falsely accused him of making advances towards her.
In jail, Joseph continued to be faithful to God. In the course of helping a fellow prisoner understand his dreams, he was able to get out of jail, be trusted by Pharaoh, and rise to become a prime minister of Egypt. When his bad brothers came to Egypt because of the famine in their homeland, he still managed to forgive them.
“But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:19-21
Just like Joseph, we present-day followers of Jesus are called to remain steadfast in following Christ. And part of following Jesus is to remain humble, patient, gentle, kind, and committed to doing good deeds. Sometimes, it may seem like our efforts are wasted because we do not get the appreciation we want to get but we are not to lose heart, because we may not get the appreciation from men, but we will definitely please God.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15 58
When we strive to follow Jesus, even to the point of experiencing insults, persecutions, and other emotional pain, we must take heart that God sees us. He sees our heart, He sees our actions, He senses our sincerity in wanting to please Him. And as our Everlasting Father, He promises to reward us for this.
“Peter began to say to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You.” Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life” Mark 10:28-30
When we feel like we can no longer continue doing good, we can tap into God’s strength by praying and meditating on His words. We can also surround ourselves with fellow believers who can encourage us in doing the right thing.
And while God promises to not overlook our good deeds, and reward us accordingly, our main motivation as Christians should always be being able to walk with God. The peace of mind and heart, borne of knowing that we are living in His presence, and that we will be with Him at the end of time, should be enough fuel for us to keep doing good.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you toponder on Genesis 50:15-23 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: How do you remain motivated to continue being good to others even when your efforts are unrequited or unappreciated?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for being aware of our every move. Thank you for appreciating the good things we do in Your name. Please continue to strengthen us so we can remain faithful to your teachings and act accordingly. Amen.
