The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

Titus 3:8

A few weeks ago a friend of mine worked with a group of other men who deep-fried 350 turkeys and fed 625 families. Another friend described how she and her family celebrated Thanksgiving by serving food to others on Thanksgiving Day. Another friend of mine is joining his work teammates to serve others next Friday in the Cleveland area.

This time of year presents opportunities as we give up our time and all the other things we have to share, including our finances.

But the idea of following Paul’s instructions in the verse above goes beyond doing good around the holidays, right?

Paul tells each of us to devote ourselves to good works. Notice there isn’t a time frame. We are to do what is good and just and right at all times whether we’re in the workplace or with friends or when confronted by our enemies.

Why? He explains in the next sentence. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

Doing good makes the lives of others better. Being good to others presents opportunities for the Gospel so that the ultimate good can be shared with people who are on the outside looking in at what our faith in Christ means.