I have a small metal plaque on my desk. It’s about eight inches wide by five inches tall. The metal is painted white and has a blood red border. Written in san-serif font in all caps is a quote from Benjamin Franklin: “WHAT GOOD SHALL I DO THIS DAY?”

I like the plaque. Every time I look at it it serves as a reminder for me to think of others, to love my neighbor as myself. In fact, I had a local sign shop make one 12 feet long and one foot tall so I can mount it under the eave of our porch. Then Catherine and I and our four teen-age kids can see it every time we leave the house. I’ll tack it up as soon as the temperature outside rises above 40 degrees up here in Vermont. In April, maybe.

A lot of popular culture depicts doing good – making another person’s day or life a little easier – as the highest aim for any human. Often it is prescribed as the only requirement for entry into heaven. It’s humanism with a spiritual back-up. It’s nice.

I’ve always wondered why we’re more attracted to the idea of God as a fair judge of character and the afterlife as a reward for a life well-lived; rather than the promise He makes us that if we believe in Him we will have everlasting life. No good deeds necessary to 'earn' it.

Of course a believing Christian will want to do good, to love others and try to make life better for everyone they meet. But loving others and doing good can be really hard, so I’m glad my salvation doesn’t depend on it. Earlier, I called the Ben Franklin quote a reminder, but it’s more an admonition. Left to my own devices, I’d serve own best interests all day and every day.

Thank God through Jesus that we’re saved despite our awfulness. I will continue to strive to do good every day, but I’m sure glad my life doesn’t depend on it.

God bless you!

Neil