It’s So Good You’ll Forget What You Were Doing

Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the town and were coming to him.— John 4:27-30

So I have said this before, but there are so many moments that stories of the Bible make me laugh. This is another one. And what I find funny about this one is Jesus is thirsty and still hasn't gotten a drink. The God of the universe is thirsty, he is sitting by a well, and the woman (as far as we know) still has not served him any water. Yet he has given her everything. I mean everything. Even the author takes the time to note that she leaves her water jar. She leaves without the water she came for.

Have you ever had a moment like this? A moment you forget about one thing because you discovered something better. It was so good you forgot to do what you came to do.

Of course you have. We all have.

And that's the thing about Jesus. His Gospel is so good that meeting basic needs through social good deeds is merely a means to a better end. Our good deeds might even be forgotten. This is because our social good deeds tend to draw attention to ourselves if we don't tell people why we do them. And the "why" of the Gospel is compelling. It's that Christ has come to bring eternal life, which means the things of this life don't matter as much. So do good deeds today and share the social gospel. But remember to tell people why you do it because when you don't, you might be drawing attention to yourself and then miss the opportunity to give someone the better gift.

ASK THIS: Is there someone you need to do a good deed for today?

DO THIS: Do that good deed and tell them why.

PRAY THIS: God, allow me to share why I do the good you have called me to do.

PLAY THIS: God, You’re So Good.