Conspicuous Acts

Is it even possible to keep things secret in this day and age?

The sins of some people are conspicuous and precede them to judgement, while the sins of others follow them there. So also good works are conspicuous; and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden. - 1 Timothy 5:24-25

Sometimes it is hard to avoid becoming cynical.  When see examples of people acting out of their self-interest we can find ourselves reluctant to do what we are called to do, which is serve those in need.

Who wants to help someone who is helping himself to what doesn't belong to him, for example?

But today's reading tells us that the good works we do are just as obvious as the bad actions we see in others.

The opposite is true as well.  What we think we are hiding may be very visible to others.

There are eyes everywhere, from drones and traffic lights to cell phones.  Chances are we will be caught on camera doing something we may find embarrassing.  And we are just as likely to be caught doing something good.

Of course the bad stuff tends to get a lot more attention than the good, but that shouldn't keep us from wanting to be stars in our own Good Samaritan video.

I know someone who had a habit of thanking people for the good stuff they do, whether they do it for her or not.  She just takes it upon herself to dish out praise for any good thing she witnesses in the world.

It can be off-putting when someone walks up to you and thanks you for being nice, but it tends to prove that those things we do are far from hidden.  People notice.  And though most say nothing, it doesn't mean we haven't made an impact.

So, today, as I go out into the world, I will remember that my actions are far from conspicuous, and so I will seek to do good wherever and whenever I can.

Isn't it better to be caught doing good?

So, if you spot me in a YouTube video, let me know.  I would hate to be the only one in the dark.

More to come...