On Rule 2..

I started reading "Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living" by Rueben P. Job.  It was a gift from my good friend Rev. John Culp (Big John).  The three rules are simply stated:

1. Do no harm.
2. Do good.
3. Stay in love with God.

Today, I was reading the section under rule 2, do good.  This rule sounds so simple, but it is very hard. In the book the author mentions that we have to do good even if we are abused, misunderstood, mistreated, or neglected for it. 

You may be wondering, how could you be misunderstood or mistreated for doing good.  You may be wondering how could you be neglected or abused for it.  Sometimes I wondered this as well, but we don't have to go very far to see it in action. 

First, think about Christ.  He stood up in the synagogue where there was a man with a withered hand and healed him on the Sabbath.  It was an amazing miracle and an act of grace, mercy and goodness.  Yet, many in the crowd were angry.  The same is read in scripture after the healing of Lazarus, the healing of the paralytic, and the proclamation of truth.  Jesus healed many, taught, fed, helped, served and cured.  His reward from these same crowds.

Second, consider the apostles, disciples and others.  Stephen was stoned for his testimony, James, John the Baptist,  Peter and Paul all did good and met their end as martyrs for their faith. 

To do good is a risky endeavor that is not always rewarded as good should be. 

Let me give you an example of just how hard it can be even now.  The same day I read this portion under rule 2 I volunteered at work to help a coworker who was running behind in his work.  Almost immediately I was berated, misunderstood, yelled at and even the coworker tried to retake the task that he clearly could not complete.

So, why bother?  Not so fast.  The desire to live by, abide in, and do rule 2 extends from my love for God.  I am loved by God, beloved of God, created in the image of God, redeemed by God, saved by God, being made complete by God and will be with God again in glory.  Since God has recreated me to know and be my true self, I am free to love others and to do good despite what others say, think or do in response. 

We do good because we are in love with God.  We do good because we have been given the invitation to follow Christ.  We do good because our true selves, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love to do good. 

It isn't easy, but most things worth having or doing aren't necessarily easy.  So, on rule #2 - let us do good and pray for the strength to keep at it.


Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.