Hebrews 13:16 AMP
[16] Do not neglect to do good, to contribute [to the needy of the church as an expression of fellowship], for such sacrifices are always pleasing to God.
As the writer of the book of Hebrews came to its conclusion, emphasis was laid on a few issues bordering on brotherly love, sanctity of marriage, the importance of hospitality and kindness to other people, the love of money, praying for leaders, and the importance of sound teaching. As we know, all the issues listed above have caused problems for people at different times in their lives. The Word of God is a mirror to hold our lives to, so He can show us who we are and where our current trajectory will take us to, so we can take the right steps to get to the place where God wants us to be. That is the context in which the verse above is placed. As I take stock of where I am right now, I need to be clear of what God expects of and from me. It is daily actions that define a man's pursuits and priorities. It may be convenient to pretend to be committed to something, but pretence and hypocrisy are not sustainable.
The verse above makes clear that I must not neglect to do good. Reflect on this: how can a person neglect good, unless it is the natural inclination of a man is to be selfish? The nature of sin man inherits make it the default setting to do evil; it takes total submission to God for a man's natural affinity for sin to be dealt with, and replaced with a desire to please God. God knows that to please Him will take something that the natural man cannot produce, so He goes all out to help man with what he needs. As we have said several times, God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. This has to be a willing surrender; not a forceful takeover. It is also clear from the verse above that there is no room for inaction or sitting on the fence. I can even say that there is no fence to sit on. Not doing anything is itself a decision to be made.
Lives have been brought my way so I can make an impact. I was placed where I am, gifted with what I have, and surrounded with the people around me, so that God can be made manifest in and through me. God cannot be seen by human eyes, but I am the visible representation of the invisible God. I am His eyes, hands, feet and heart, and men must see His presence and glory in me at all times. There will always be needs around me that I am best equipped to deal with. There are lives that I may be the only person who can reach them with the love of God. It will not always be convenient, but when has a life of sacrifice ever been convenient? It is the end result and the reward of sacrifice that make the journey worth it. God is pleased when I point men to Him, and reflect His nature. Can this be said of me at the moment? God's time of favour is here.
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