Gold Nugget
Verse 6: “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?”
Commentary
Verse 6: “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?”
Commentary
This morning I sat through a familiar repeat with an acquaintance as he
ran through story after story that all featured his goodness. It was literally
like it was a presentation of his greatest hits. It wasn’t an isolated
incident. This is the norm when I am around him. I also know that he is like
this with everyone. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “Most men will
proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a
faithful man?” Although the
guy I mentioned earlier is probably the extreme, the scripture tells us that “most”
men will behave this way and that a faithful (or good and just person) is hard
to find. Why is it that a good person is hard to find? It’s simple. They don’t
proclaim their goodness; therefore you may not be aware of what good they have
done. Some people wear their “goodness” around their neck. It is part of our
nature to be acknowledged for our works, but not at the extent of promoting it ourselves.
Another scripture in Proverbs tells us how we get our natural need for
acknowledgement without advertising it ourselves. “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth;” (Proverbs
27:2a) If we are truly a person that does good, others will notice in time and
will acknowledge you for it. When someone else speaks of your goodness, it
brings more credibility than if it comes from you anyway. Some people are aware
of this and therefore do their good deeds in front of others to be seen of
them. Jesus addressed this as well, “Take
heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them.
Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew
6:1) In summary, let us just do good to please God and let go of any other
motives and expectations. If we live our lives to please God, we will be
understood by those that understand Him and we will never be fully understood
by those that do not understand God. Can we be satisfied with that?
Prayer
Lord, remind us of what we do good for. All we do, we do to please you and show your love to others. We do not need glory and will surely not steal it from you. Amen
Lord, remind us of what we do good for. All we do, we do to please you and show your love to others. We do not need glory and will surely not steal it from you. Amen
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