Goodwill
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: ~Ephesians 6:7
Goodwill is referred to as an intangible asset on the balance sheet of a corporation. It is a term that describes the good reputation and value of that business. The term indicates that a business has developed a great reputation for its product and service. Goodwill is the intrinsic value that determines the worth of a company. Christians are to be people who possess incredible goodwill. Goodwill is why people attend a church. Goodwill is all the good things people have to say about a church and its members. The real value of a church is not found in the buildings and assets of the church; the real value is the sum total of the goodwill of its members. Would you consider some essential characteristics about Christian goodwill?
The preeminence in goodwill is found in our Savior.
When Jesus was born, an assembly of angels sang out, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” There is no higher and more excellent source of goodwill than the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. His name is worthy of all honor and praise. His name brings redemption to a sinner. His name brings relief to someone who is suffering. His name brings refreshment to someone who is in need of replenishment. When God’s people assemble to worship, the one thing that touches lives and compels people to return to church is how high we lift up the name of Jesus. We are not in the business of bringing people to see us. We are in the business of bringing people to church so that they see and worship Jesus! He is the utmost in having goodwill.
The practice for goodwill is found in our service.
Our service to the Lord builds great goodwill. A church filled with active serving members is very infectious. This kind of church is doing many things for the glory of God. This kind of church impacts the community. This kind of Christian lightens up the life of other people. A serving Christian is doing the will of God from the heart. Serving Christians demonstrate purpose. They serve with joy. They want to do more. They see the end result of Jesus being glorified. Serving members give a church great goodwill in the community in which it serves in. Where are you serving the Lord?
The promotion of goodwill is found in our spirit.
Paul said, “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will.” Can you imagine some preaching Christ out of envy and strife? Christians who are frequently discouraged, down in the mouth, critical, and contentious leave a bad taste in everybody’s mouth. Our spirit, that is our attitude, attracts or repels people. I am thankful that the first impression people have about my church is that the people are very friendly. The second impression is how the preaching service is prepared and executed with excellence to the glory of God. The third impression is the passion behind the preaching. We are constantly building goodwill through our spirit. The same principle can be applied in our marriages, our leadership, and our camaraderie among others. An excellent spirit builds up and leaves people desiring more. A bad or insincere spirit tears down and leaves people desiring less. Our spirit either adds value or subtracts value. What does your spirit say about you?
What is your goodwill quotient? Are you building goodwill through your service and spirit? Make a decision today to enhance the value of your testimony and that of your church by building goodwill. Remember goodwill is doing service to the Lord and not to men!
Have a Christ-honoring God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Acts 16-17