Part of my job as the Race Director for the 7th annual 36-hour Bad Dawg Ultra was making sure that the ten-mile out-and-back course stayed stocked with supplies for the more than 100 runners tackling distances ranging from a 12-mile ruck to the full 100-mile race. This is critical, especially when it comes to hydration and the scorching heat index, which climbed to a punishing 108 degrees.
That brutal heat is exactly why I was so genuinely delighted when reports started rolling in throughout the day about a family who had taken it upon themselves to set up at one of the longest, loneliest stretches between our official aid stations. A father-daughter duo stood there handing out ice-cold water bottles from the back of an SUV, with Mom behind the wheel. They were there for hours.
As the Lord would have it, I got to experience this generosity firsthand. Just before sunset, I stepped away from my Race Director post (grateful for the strong team that can hold down the fort) to pace my dear friend Nadine through the final ten-mile loop of her race. As Nadine and I approached this dynamic duo I’d heard about all day, I smiled and thanked them both for their kindness as they handed us a bottle of cold water. Then I thanked the Lord for the beautiful example of doing good that this sweet family had set.
And their example is exactly the kind the family of Christ should be showing every chance we get.
The Bible makes this plain when it says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10) Notice that phrase, “as we have opportunity.” That means we aren’t meant to sit back and wait for good deeds to fall conveniently into our laps. We’re called to actively look for opportunities to act. Jesus explained this active compassion:
Then the King will say to those on His right hand, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in.” Matthew 25:34-35
What strikes me here is how ordinary these acts sound. Food. Water. Welcome. Yet Jesus counts every one of them as done to Him personally. The Bible takes this idea even further, reminding us that good intentions without good action fall short:
If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? (James 2:15-16)
That’s a convicting picture. It’s easy to feel compassion, offer a kind word, and move on. But James reminds us that real love shows up with a water bottle in hand, not just a well-wish.
Why does this all matter so much?
Because when we seek out, find, and carry out good deeds like this one, we accomplish two things at once. We stir those who are not born again to wonder about the reason behind our kindness—which, of course, is the presence of God Himself—and we inspire our brothers and sisters in Christ to go looking for opportunities to do good.
So keep your eyes open, my friend. Continually look for opportunities to aid those around you. Acts of kindness won’t just bless the people around you; they are good for you, too. Our good deeds may bless others, but we’re often the ones who walk away most blessed. And ultimately, when we do all for God’s glory, we are fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You so much for giving me countless opportunities to do good. Help me to seek and see these opportunities so that I never waste one. It’s in Your precious name I pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
