What's The Use?
Do you ever feel as if some of the good things that you do are pointless? Do you think that your efforts make little or no difference? Do you occasionally get discouraged and wonder, "What's the use?"
An incident from the life of Christ might provide us with needed encouragement. John records an account of Jesus cleansing the temple of the money changing profiteers in John 2, early in His' ministry. Matthew, Mark and Luke record a similar incident of Jesus cleansing the temple late in His ministry. Thus Jesus apparently cleansed the temple of money changers TWICE. But why did He bother? After initially ridding the temple of money changers, they wasted little time in returning. No doubt Jesus was aware that they would come back, so why chase them away a second time?
Let me suggest three reasons:
1) Because it was the right thing to do. James 4:17 says, "He that knows to do good and does no do it commits sin." Jesus ALWAYS did the right thing. The same is true for us - we must keep doing what is right regardless of the results or lack of such.
2) Because others were watching. Even though Jesus' actions did not deter the profiteers for long, His efforts made a lasting impression on His disciples. John 2:17 says, "...His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for Your house has consumed me.'" In a similar way, when we do what it right others may be watching, and our actions may leave a lasting impression.
3) Because cleansing "God's house" of corruption for one day was worth it. Although it did not remain "clean" for long, it was a "holier" place that day. That is a great lesson for us. Although the good we do may not last long, it makes things better TODAY. And that is INFINITELY better than nothing at all!
Keep doing the right thing, no matter what. "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." (Gal. 6:9-10)
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
Do you ever feel as if some of the good things that you do are pointless? Do you think that your efforts make little or no difference? Do you occasionally get discouraged and wonder, "What's the use?"
An incident from the life of Christ might provide us with needed encouragement. John records an account of Jesus cleansing the temple of the money changing profiteers in John 2, early in His' ministry. Matthew, Mark and Luke record a similar incident of Jesus cleansing the temple late in His ministry. Thus Jesus apparently cleansed the temple of money changers TWICE. But why did He bother? After initially ridding the temple of money changers, they wasted little time in returning. No doubt Jesus was aware that they would come back, so why chase them away a second time?
Let me suggest three reasons:
1) Because it was the right thing to do. James 4:17 says, "He that knows to do good and does no do it commits sin." Jesus ALWAYS did the right thing. The same is true for us - we must keep doing what is right regardless of the results or lack of such.
2) Because others were watching. Even though Jesus' actions did not deter the profiteers for long, His efforts made a lasting impression on His disciples. John 2:17 says, "...His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for Your house has consumed me.'" In a similar way, when we do what it right others may be watching, and our actions may leave a lasting impression.
3) Because cleansing "God's house" of corruption for one day was worth it. Although it did not remain "clean" for long, it was a "holier" place that day. That is a great lesson for us. Although the good we do may not last long, it makes things better TODAY. And that is INFINITELY better than nothing at all!
Keep doing the right thing, no matter what. "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." (Gal. 6:9-10)
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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