Doing “Good” is Hard Work - Day 83

Doing “Good” is Hard Work

By Mike Stickler

Colossians 4:28-29
28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.
29 To this end, I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

One of the greatest joys and satisfactions in life is discipling others to maturity in Christ. The privilege of watching spiritually-young men grow in maturity, submitting to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and dying to oneself each day is very fulfilling.

Some of these guys have been in my life many years, where others are relatively new to me. One in particular, I walked alongside for the better part of a decade and a half. When we first met, he was carnally minded and drug-addicted, resulting in very few relational skills whatsoever.

One particular time with him, I shared a truth I’d observed in his life—that he’d completely loved God, yet, had trouble loving his neighbor.

My insight didn’t set well with him. He disappeared from my life for nearly two years.

Other times, I have sat patiently and watched individuals reap what they sowed and suffer horrible consequences to those actions. But, I always loved them and, no matter how difficult it became, I’d welcome them back into my life, picking up right where we’d left off.

At times, this life has been very costly to me and to my family. People have privately and publicly denigrated us, even threatening us with harm. These folks just didn’t see how the principals of scripture we lived by could work for them, focusing instead, on how costly it would be.

The truth is, living a generous life causes us to contend strenuously with the culture and worldview that surrounds us—a culture and worldview in direct enmity with the model of Christ.

Today’s Generosity Challenge:
Does today’s devotion resonate with a similar experience? Tell us how you believe the Lord is leading you in your response. Ask advice if you need to.

Now, write your answers down here.

About Michael Stickler

Mike is an author, radio host, and a highly sought after motivational speaker. His best-selling book, A Journey to Generosity, is widely acclaimed throughout the Christian community. He is the publisher of Generous Living Magazine and writes for the Christian Post, 'A Generous Life' column.