Several prominent and productive motivations might supplant the one great reason for doing good.  However, it alone can survive scrutiny thus yielding a reliable ethical compass.

Some common motivations do yield positive results. Yet they fall short of providing us with a worthy compass.

We can easily identify those lesser motivations by asking two questions: How would I behave if I were invisible enabling me to act without anyone watching? What would I do if I knew no compensation or reward would exist for doing what is right?

These two questions strip away shallow pious façades to reveal someone’s true ethical character. Why do we do good?

When placed in a social setting, an advantage exists in telling the truth, working hard under watchful eyes, refraining from stealing even small items from the company, and treating others with respect. Why? If others view us as honest, hard working, trustworthy and respectful, we gain a credibility promoting future opportunities and advancement.

Thus people or companies might do the right thing because virtuous actions can be self-promoting. Doing good can yield a reward, such as a higher quality of life.

Yet if self-promotion is the ultimate compass, various situations will strip away the pleasant façade to reveal a character willing to engage in hurtful and destructive behavior. The compass of self-fulfillment will tempt us down alternative paths if they appear better.

Alone with a computer, a man feeds fleshly fantasies harming himself and his relationships with others. Convinced no one is watching and no negative repercussions will ensue, an employee slips some company swag into her pocket. Someone tells a lie to protect himself while believing the truth will never come out.

Scripture reveals a different ethical motivation that neither invisibility nor lack of personal benefit can shrivel. God is worthy of devotion.

Jesus provided the ultimate example. Jesus "went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with him" Acts 10:38. He proclaimed the good news of God by teaching, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the gospel!” Mark 1:15. Yet, doing good led him to suffer on the cross. Furthermore while doing what was right, he knew the cross awaited him.

Jesus’ ethic was neither self-promotion nor self-fulfillment. He served a greater principle. God is worthy of devotion and obedience. Jesus’ disciples are called to follow in his footsteps.

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Barry Newton

Barry has worked with congregations in Texas, California and Brazil. He and his wife Sofia have two sons. He believes we should love God above all and that to honor this principle will shape daily decisions and silence competing values. Furthermore, we ought to love people in those ways we would like to be treated.

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