Why Should I Do Good?
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
What is the proper motivation for good works? The fifth-century theologian Augustine said that most vices are expressed in bad works and evil actions. Pride and vanity, however, are sometimes expressed in good works. For the sake of applause and the approval of others, people will often, said Augustine, engage in noble activities. Their motivation, however, is conceit and self-importance.
A young person might ask, “Why should I do the right thing, especially when no one else is doing it?” There are four proper motivations for right living and good works. The first is the fear of God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). This is an overlooked motivation. God watches all we do. He sees everything. Nothing can be hidden from God. God knows when we disobey him and is fully able to demonstrate his disapproval. His disapproval can come in many forms and can be severe. Consider the story of Jonah. To be afraid to invoke the wrath and displeasure of God is a virtuous motivation for avoiding evil.
A second true motivation for good works is the commandments of God. God tells us what is right and wrong. His commands are not unclear, nor are they unreasonable. As his people, we are to forsake evil and do good. Isaiah says, “Remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good” (Isaiah 1:16, 17). God has told us what he expects from us. Faith calls us to do as God instructs.
A third right motivation for avoiding evil and doing good is the favor of God. Do we wish to live in God’s favor? Then we should avoid evil and do what is right. Psalm 5:12 says, “For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” Mary, the mother of Jesus, found favor in the sight of God (Luke 1:30). This was certainly a result of her willing heart and upright life. God is able to bestow his favor on us, and we should strive for this to be the case.
The fourth good motivation is faith and the love of God. This is the highest and best motivation.
Everyone enjoys the applause of others at times. The purpose of doing good, however, is the glory of God. This is why God has made us. We are not here to take up space. We are here to do good in order to build God’s kingdom in the world. Ephesians 2:8, 9 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Therefore, let us do as much good as we can, with a humble heart, so that others see our lives and give thanks to God for them.