Thoughts on "Doing Better"

 

As we've turned from 2025 while racing into 2026, who doesn't somewhere in their consciousness, have a desire for “doing better” in the new year.  Could it be that you're big on resolutions, yet so soon disappointed when they (or you) fall short?  Could it be that you make no thought about change at all and party on through time for more of the same?  Possibly, you're somewhere between these positions with indecisiveness on which approach is “right for you.”  Yes, how easy it is to be about the relative things that are “right for us.”

Who said it should be “right for us?”  What is the Truth?  What must be given as a correct plan of guidance for “living” and “doing better” on this earth?  Is this our aim, or main concern?  Who answers such questions?  Who is entitled to do so?

There's always those so given to altruism who we love to know and observe using their time and resources for the benefit of improving the better quality of living on this earth for whatever group or interest.  Maybe, it's the Philanthropist, so full of concern and care for those in need.  Often this giver is well laden with the goods of this world and while caring, maybe a little, how another fairs in this life, simply has ulterior motives for fame, recognition, power, or even “a ticket to Heaven.”

As said in former posts, “Only what's done for Christ will last.”  Here we're reminded of the first statement of the Westminster Catechism: “What is the chief end of man?  To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” (ref. 1 Cor.10:31; Rom. 11:36)

One must simply read what Paul told the Corinthians about genuine love to know how this should be achieved.  (ref. I Cor. 13:2-8)  Or, be reminded of what the Lord, Himself, teaches throughout the Gospels on proper conduct, or the notion of “doing better.”  (ref. Matt. 6:1-4)

It's not within us to “be good/do better” at all without Christ.  You may determine yourself to be morally upright, altruistic, even a great philanthropist, but without Christ, you will only experience the pleasure of the moment as your reward.  Ask the Pharisees!

Thankfully, within the common grace of our Lord, people can be very kind and bestow wonderful acts of generosity and mercy.  However, it's so much more than this!

When we represent Him in this earth because He has chosen us to be His, and we have taken His name, it isn't about us anymore at all.  We are dead to former things.  We are new creations in Christ. (ref. 2 Cor. 5:17)  Any will we may have has been submitted to Him, and our “self focus” is left at the foot of the cross.  He gave us the commission to “die daily” and yet take up our cross and follow Him.  (ref. Matt. 10:38-39)

Being in Christ will reflect a selfless approach in our actions of obedience.  “Doing good” things in honor unto Him and His Word's instruction should come without pomp and recognition.  No names are appropriate to be placed in clouds for a well ran race in the Christian life.  Each Christian's name belongs in the Book of Life!  If it's written there, it matters not what anyone on this earth regards as “Doing Better.” (ref. Luke 9:23-24)

How's it going to be in 2026?  Are we insecure?  Are we in need of some self encouragement?

Let's simply turn to the instruction and Instructor of His Word and “Better Live” unto Him!  We can't do it without Him!

Blessings in 2026 as we grow in grace,

A Fellow Servant

Scripture References:

I Cor. 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” ESV

Rom. 11:36 “For from him and through him and to him are all things.  to him be glory forever. Amen.” ESV

1 Cor. 13:2-8 “And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.  Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.  It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” ESV

Matt. 6:1-4 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.  Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others.  Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.  And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” ESV

Matt. 10:38-39 “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”  ESV

Luke 9:23-24 “And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'”  ESV