July 24: Do Good When You Know it

Theme:  Obedience to God’s calling

Quida Johnson
Savannah SDA Church

The Unseen Strength of Servant Leadership

Key Text: James 4:17 James 4:17(NIV): If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

 

Have you ever wondered why the hands that serve are often the ones least acknowledged? Have you found yourself, like Martha of Bethany, bustling in the

kitchen or tending to the needs of others while longing for a simple word of thanks? For many of us, especially as women, service seems woven into the very fabric of our being. Whether as nurses, mothers, leaders, or friends, we often find ourselves putting others first, sometimes to the point of exhaustion and invisibility.

 

There are days when the weight of servitude feels heavy. The many hours spent planning, giving, and caring leave us drained and unappreciated. It is tempting, in those moments, to withdraw, to wish for a season of being served rather than serving. Yet, as I reflect on my own journey as a nurse, I am reminded of the words of James 4:17(NIV): “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

Jesus Himself faced disregard and rejection, even in His own hometown (Mark 6:4). Yet, He never ceased to serve. In the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-1, only one returned to give thanks, but Jesus healed them all, undeterred by the lack of appreciation. Moreover, we are counselled “To follow Christ’s example of unselfish service. The more closely we are united to Him, the more clearly, we shall discern our duty to our fellow men.” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 502).

Can you imagine God withholding His grace because of our ingratitude? Yet, despite our frequent forgetfulness and lack of gratitude, God’s love remains steadfast, and His grace is continually extended to us. 

As Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” If Christ did not count the cost to serve us, how can we, in good conscience, withhold good when it is within our power to act? 

Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Our acts of kindness and service are not in vain, nor are they unnoticed by our Heavenly Father.

Dear sisters, do not let the lack of recognition or appreciation cheapen your service or cause you to withhold goodness, as Philippians 2:13 assures us that, “It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” When you serve, you reflect the heart of Christ. 

Your faithfulness is a testimony to God’s love and will be rewarded in His time. Let us choose, even when weary, to do the good we know to do because to withhold it is to miss our call and an opportunity to start a wave of blessing that will widen and deepen our influence and grieve the heart of God (James 4:17).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of Jesus, who served without seeking recognition and gave without limit. Forgive us when we grow weary or long for appreciation more than Your approval. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may serve joyfully and faithfully, even when unnoticed. Remind us that our labor is not in vain and that You see every act of love. Empower us to be steadfast, humble, and willing instruments of Your grace. May our lives be a testimony to Your goodness, and may we find our reward in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.