What Good Shall I Do This Day

     Most of us have undoubtedly heard this rhetorical question asked many times. But, how many times have we pondered it? It’s not “Should I do good?”; nor is it “What should I do?”  No, the question is predicated upon the presumption that I should do good. Where does that come from? The other day I was doing a Bible study and this issue struck me as it never has before. (It is possible that it has and I just don’t remember.) The near-epiphany ignited a spark in me to blog again; I don’t know why I haven’t written in a long time, but this may be something worth writing and thinking about.

     Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.” Focusing on the last part of the verse; which is in the context of having been made alive--a work of art--in Christ, is what I want to write about. Note the order; what was prepared first, in advance? Not us, but the works, the tasks, the missions. I think there is a common line of thinking that goes like this; God created me to do good works, but that is putting the cart before the horse.

     This adumbration does not in any way relegate the person to the program. Before God created the first humans, God created a model Garden that He wanted the entire planet to be like. And, as Ephesians as well as other New Testament passages teach, God empowers us to fulfill His assignments. I also get the idea that God has specific works of good for me to do. God gave Adam and Eve dominion--reigning power to fulfill His command to them. Going on in Ephesians, chapter five tells us to “Be imitators of God,...” God is, therefore God does. We are his image bearers.

     Many would foolishly debate what goodness is; I would not enter that debate. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8)

     And, maybe, just maybe, the good that I shall do today is to just stay home, not go where others are, for their good, my good--the greater good. 

     This too will pass.