Here’s a fresh take on doing good…
“Thinking good thoughts is not enough, doing good deeds is not enough, seeing others follow your good examples is enough.”
~ Douglas Horton
Set an example that inspires others to follow
June 8, 2015 | 8 comments
Spiritual ideas that inspire healing
Be both the blessing and the blessed.
Two quotes come to mind with this great inspiration. One from Gandhi, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” and Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”.
Thank you, Evan for this inspiring lift. And how true, Josef, like looking at the mother duck with her ducklings… she is both the blessed and the blessing… such a peaceful and gentle picture.
Inspire others to do what you do answers the whole. The work that needs doing is to inspire others to do even greater things.
Good reminder of our need to follow through by enhancing spiritual good deeds.
Loved all the quotes, thanks! Loved the ducks too. (=
Sometimes when following the Lord we’re never going to know if we’re setting a good example for others or not.
Jesus told his followers to give alms with their funds (Luke 12:33). Doing so is good to do. However Jesus qualified this statement with an instruction for his followers to do their alms giving in secret (as much as is possible), not even letting one’s left hand to know what his or her right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3-4). This is about as anonymous as you can get.
So, as I see it, the giver is never going to know if his or her example of giving in secret is being a catalyst to encourage others to give in secret or not. In fact giving in secret, although it is what the Lord wants us all to do (entirely a free-will choice), does not qualify the giver for any possibly legitimate IRS tax deduction because – sorry! – you don’t get a receipt for anonymous giving.
However it is a great blessing to trust in the Lord with all of one’s might and not lean upon the world’s understanding of practical economics. Also by giving in secret you will never find yourself on a professional solicitor’s mailing list!
Jesus also told his followers to give alms with those things that are within you and, behold, everything is clean for you (Luke 11:41). I think Evan is an excellent example of a follower of Christ giving alms with the things that are within him. I appreciate the “spirit-of-life” he freely shares on this blog.
Just a reminder, as we set the example we can never see or know who we might inspire.
Even still, the golden rule never gets rusty from lack of use.
Really inspiring to do good to others so others get inspired as well. As Evan sir you are a great inspiration to follow the Truth.