Do Good, part 1

March 13, 2019

DAILY READING

1 John 2:1-6
This weekend’s reading: Mark 14:43-52

FIELD NOTES
Now that we have quieted our ways of doing harm [a bit tongue in cheek, no pun intended], let’s consider a life focused on doing good.  Wesley says,  “Do all the good you can; By all the means you can; In all the ways you can; In all the places you can; At all the times you can; To all the people you can; As long as ever you can.”

Both doing no harm and doing good are…”Proactive way[s] of living….I can decide that my way of living will come down on the side of doing good to all in every circumstance and in every way I can.  I can decide that I will choose a way of living that nourishes goodness and strengthens community…I, too, will determine every day that my life will always be invested in the effort to bring healing instead of hurt; wholeness instead of division; and harmony with Jesus rather than the ways of the world.”  [Three Simple Rules, p. 31]
 
Lent seems the perfect season in which to live out our repentance each day.  Recognizing and confessing our sins and shortcomings are only the first steps of returning to the lifestyle of Jesus.  There is an invitation residing in Lent…Live in Christ!

QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

• I often ask myself, “Who is the person God specifically calls you to be in a given situation?” Most often these are times when a person or circumstance challenges me. 
• Think about ‘doing good’ in a relationship that challenges you. Who does God call you to be?
• What would it mean for you to actively commit to a life of doing good?  What, if anything, would change?
• Ask to be shown your path of ‘good’ during Lent.

PRAYER
God of goodness, teach us today how to do good in every circumstance of life.  We do not ask for the easy way, but we ask for grace and strength to follow you in the path of goodness, peace, and love.  Amen. [Three Simple Rules, Rueben Job]