The Difference Between “Being” and “Doing” Good

May 2, 2009 by EnnisP
Filed under: Charity, How To Help, Philosophy, Salvation

From the minute we are born we are told what is good, shown how to perform it, commanded to live it and disciplined if we don’t. Consequently each of us grows up with a sense of what is good and, more importantly, how we measure up. Usually our self-assessment is heavily influenced by several factors:

Attitudes of authority figures
If our parents/teachers respond favorably and with understanding toward our wayward tendencies we feel fairly good about ourselves even if we shouldn’t. Positive responses encourage a “warm fuzzy” that makes us think more highly of self than we should. If authority figures are constantly critical, however, we develop a sense of hopelessness. “Can I ever be good enough?”

How we compare to peers
If we always seem to do better than others, if our equals never get it right while we stay out of judgment’s focus (some kids are always in trouble; some are not), we develop a comparative sense of decency. “Because I am better than him or her I must be good, they must be bad.”

The accepted norm
Of course, when everyone is doing the wrong thing (gossip, fudging on income taxes, little white lies) without being challenged it becomes a neutral issue. We feel normal not wrong doing these things. They cease to become critical issues in measuring self.

Getting caught
Or not, is a huge factor. When a person habitually does the wrong thing they eventually become insensitive to it until someone says “you are wrong.” In this regard law enforcement serves an important purpose. They never let us forget where the boundaries are.

All of these factors give us a distorted perspective on how good we are. We are measuring ourselves against people and circumstances not principle. None of them can measure “absolute” goodness.

And the truth is no one can be good in the absolute sense of the word. Our “goodness” as a state of being, our ability to be good within ourselves always falls short of the ultimate good. It is always a relative measurement. Both the Bible and observation verify this truth.

Solomon, the wisest man ever, said:
“For there is not a just man on earth, that does good, and sins not.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20)

Paul said, “we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (Romans 7:14)

David, lamenting his own sinfulness, exclaimed “Behold, I was shaped in iniquity…” (Psalm 51:5)

Even Mother Theresa found herself doubting the existance of heaven and even of God often. I don’t believe anyone would judge her for this but it does represent a failing in the absolute sense of the word. She did go to confession regularly.

Unfortunately, the only level of goodness that God will accept is absolute, not relative, and as we have seen no human has been able to achieve that. Each of us starts with a nature pre-burdened with sin and can never catch up entirely.

Jesus, however was born without sin and was able to stay that way. The Bible says he was in every respect tempted as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). The Bible also says he obtained eternal redemption for us through his sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 9:12).

The Motivation
In most cases people are motivated to be good so they can be acceptable. Given the teachings of the Bible (no one can do this, Romans 3:23, with the exception of Jesus) we have to wonder why we should bother with “good” at all. And that brings us to our original question. What is the difference between “Being” and “Doing” good.

While the Bible discourages the idea that we can “be” good it repeatedly encourages us to “do” good.

Jesus said,
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

“…Do good to them that hate you.” (Matthew 5:44)

And Paul said,
We should be “fruitful in every good work…” (Colossians 1:10)

The following comparisons help us understand why the Bible dispels the idea of “being good” but encourages a “do good” approach to life:

Being good focuses on self. I’m trying to be a better me. Self glorification.

Doing good focuses on others. I’m trying to be helpful. Glorifies God.

Being good to self-qualify is useless. It doesn’t work. You can never be good enough.

Doing good as a means of assisting others has a positive and useful outcome.

Being good is repelling. We give the impression of being superior not just good.

Doing good draws others to us. We become more approachable.

Being good is an expression of pride.

Doing good is an expression of compassion.

“Being” and “Doing” are very different issues. The inability to accomplish one (“Be” good) will never excuse us from the other. Ephesians 2:8-10 makes a conclusive statement expressing the disconnection between these two motivations. It says,

Be Good – An impossibility
“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any person should boast.”

Do Good – The original design
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.”

The truth is, “Doing Good” makes you a more tolerable person even if it can’t make you perfect.

What do you THINK!AboutIt?