Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
—James 4:17
Paul reminded the Corinthian church that we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). We could well expand that to say we walk by faith and not by feelings or any of the other senses. But it is also true that doing the things God has instructed us to do, whether it be changing an attitude or action or doing the good we ought to do, feels really good.
Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). The word blessed means “happy are they” or “oh, how happy.” Could we not then say that a life of giving and doing good feels better than one that does not give and do good?
Sin grieves the Holy Spirit. Since the Spirit dwells in us, it only stands to reason that not grieving the Spirit makes us feel better, and grieving Him makes us feel worse. So often the enemy wants to convince us that we are feeling discouraged or in despair because of the things we do not have. However, the Bible says not doing the good we know we ought to do is more likely the cause.
We are all going to face down days, so I am not talking about living in some type of continual blissful state. What I am talking about is eliminating the self-inflicted wounds that result from not doing the good that feels really good to do. Now again, feeling good is not our motive for doing good, but it is a secondary benefit nonetheless.
So the next time you’re visited with one of those “what’s wrong with me?” days—maybe even today—ask yourself, “Have I done the good I know I ought to do?” Whether it is gaining ground on a change of attitude or an action you need to take on behalf of another, just go ahead and do it. Either way, it always feels better to obey God, no matter the situation.
So do the good you know you ought to do, and today will be a better day for you and someone else!
Excerpt from “Body Builders” now available on Amazon.