Is there enough “good” to share?

Is it possible to run out of “good”?

That sounds like a silly question, but it happens to be a real fear of many people.

In 1980, Eunice V. Pike wrote a paper on the Mazatec Indians titled, “The Concept of Limited Good and the Spread of the Gospel.” The Mazatec of Southwest Mexico don’t practice generosity, not because they have nothing to share, but because they believe there is only a limited amount of “good” to go around. To share their belongings, their knowledge, their love, or even their well wishes would be to deplete themselves of their share of a limited sum of available “good.”

There are plenty of people today who cling to the “good” they have for fear they won’t have all they “need” (want) if they share with others. But here’s why we never have to be afraid of sharing our “good” for fear of depleting what good there is …

1. God is good. Psalm 136:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Saying God is good isn’t just a complimentary statement, it’s a description of His very character — God, Himself, is good! And since God is from everlasting unto everlasting, since He lives and reigns forever, goodness lasts forever.

2. All good things come from God. James 1:17 informs us that “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” From His very character of goodness, God is a constant supplier of good things for our lives. When God is our supply source, we never have to fear running out!

3. We were created for good works! God supplies us with good not just for our own benefit and enjoyment, but with the specific intention that we share with others the good He provides. The Apostle Paul explained that concept like this, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago,” Ephesians 2:10. Doing good works was part of God’s design for how we should live before He ever created us! And with Him supplying the good we can do, we never have to worry about running low or running out of good. In fact, scripture teaches us that we should be “rich” in good works …

“Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life,” 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

Not only should we be “rich in good works” but the Bible exhorts us to be intentional and creative about finding ways to do good works …

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works,” Hebrews 10:24.

Our sharing the goodness of God by sharing His supply of goodness is something we’re instructed not to withhold and not to be hesitant about …

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, ‘Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you,'” Proverbs 3:27-28.

And as Christians, we’re to be trained in the scriptures which will equip us to do the good works God desires from us …

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

4. Doing good glorifies God. Jesus taught that our doing good deeds brings glory to God …

“You are the light of the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father,” Matthew 5:14-16.

Jesus also taught that being productive, fruitful disciples brings glory to God …

“When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father,” John 15:8.

The Apostle Paul describes for us how God blesses us with good things for the intent that we be generous with the good that He provides, and doing so brings glory to Him …

“For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving — the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ,” 1 Corinthians 9:10-13.

Conclusion. Our living a life of doing good deeds and sharing the goodness of God is what we were created for because it brings glory to God. Living such a life is truly following the example Jesus set for us …

“And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him,” Acts 10:38.

So, is it possible to run out of “good”?

No!

In that case, let’s be encouraged by these words from Paul …

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone — especially to those in the family of faith,” Galatians 6:9-10.

Scotty