4 – Is it Worth Being Good?

A Family Tragedy

Mrs. Pali was a widow who had worked hard to establish her gold-selling business.
She and her daughter sold the jewelry while her son worked as the goldsmith.

She earned enough through this business to take care of her family and send her
younger son to school. She was proud of how she had succeeded even though she
was a widow.

Then one day robbers burst into her shop in the middle of the day. They waved
their guns and took all she had. None of the neighbors tried to help her. They ran
to hide instead. Afraid the whole family’s future would be shattered, her son
desperately chased after the robbers, calling for help. One robber turned and shot
him down. He died on the street, with his mother and sister crying bitterly over
him.

After the funeral was finished, Mrs. Pali was overwhelmed with worry. Her
husband had died. Her son was murdered. All her possessions were gone. She
kept wondering, “Why has all this trouble happened to me? I tried to do what was
right. I have worked hard and lived wisely. Now I have received only bad for all
my good! Will there ever be justice?”

Every Heart Cries for Justice

Many people these days ask the same question. They want to know if it’s worth
doing what is right. In some countries, students who are poor may study very hard,
but without money for a tutor, they still fail their exams. The children of the
wealthy may play all weekend and never study, but pass their tests easily because
their parents can afford to bribe the teacher. There are problems of injustice,
corruption, and oppression in every country. The poor cry out, “Will there ever be
justice?”

We’ve known since our childhood the saying, “Do good and receive good; do bad
and receive bad.” But when bad things happen we sometimes bitterly say, “We did
good, but it flew away, and it’s running after those who’ve done evil.”

Some people get so tired of injustice they give up doing what’s right. The wicked
lie, steal, and murder as if there will never be a judgment for their misdeeds. They
laugh at those who correct them and boast that they are not afraid. They think

1
 their luck is good. Others, who are not so bold, secretly wonder if it is worth doing
what is right and find themselves slipping away from good choices into bad.
Should we give up and join them in their selfish pleasures and fun?

Three Evidences for Justice

Let’s consider three reasons that suggest we should be patient, do what is right,
and wait for justice.

1. Nature Teaches Justice

If we look at nature we will see the truth of justice. The rice field teaches us to do
what is right. If we plant good rice seed we harvest good rice. If we plant sticky
rice we will harvest sticky rice. If a fool plants thistles in his field will he have food
for his family? Surely he will harvest only thistles.

In the same way we know that no one can do wicked deeds and hope to receive
good results from them. Sin always leads to suffering. The wicked cannot hope to
escape their consequences forever. It’s like our saying, “The stumps appear at low
tide.”

Nature also teaches us to patiently wait to see the result of a good or bad deed.
After we transplant the rice we cannot harvest it within a week. We must wait
several months. Some trees take many years to bear their first fruit. When the
fruit finally comes it is delicious and worth the wait. What about the harvest of
people’s actions? Some of the results also come quickly. Some take many years
and may only be known after death.

People have seen this for many years. A 2000 year old scripture summarize it well,
“Whatever a person sows, that he will also reap....Let us not grow weary while
doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as
we have opportunity, let us do good to all” (Galatians 6:7, 9, 10a). It’s still true
today. Nature teaches us that “We will reap what we sow.”

2. Our Hearts Teach Justice

Our hearts also teach us about right and wrong. We all have a sense of justice. We
feel hurt or angry when someone wrongs us. We demand to receive the good we
think we deserve. If someone is sent to jail for murder, we say this is right. Our
hearts tell us that bad people must receive their punishment. Even a child knows

2
about justice. He is not happy when he sees his parents love his sister more than
him. Children are hurt by favoritism. They know it is wrong.

On the other hand, if our parents treat us equally we feel happy. We feel good
when we experience fairness and justice. We can see the whole family reaping joy
when a husband and wife treat each other with respect and kindness, and when
the parents spend time to teach their children well, loving them all equally.

Our hearts tell us clearly that it’s worth doing what is right and that justice is real.
We may not understand how it all works, but we are hopeful that somehow,
everything will be made right in time. Our hearts teach, “We will reap what we
sow.”

3. Religion Teaches Justice

Is there any religion that does not teach this truth? If we examine Buddhism,
Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam we will find that each religion teaches something
about justice and judgment. This means that millions of people in the world
believe and trust that one day people will receive punishment for their wrong
doing and reward for their right choices. This truth motivates people to do what is
right and turn from the wrong.

If nature, our hearts, and religion teach us to patiently do good, shall we plug our
ears and run off to follow our desires? Will that bring us true joy? Will that really
help us escape our suffering?

Some people want to follow their own desire so much they ignore the advice of
family and friends. They may mock religion and good laws. What is the likely
result of their course? This story illustrates it well.

One night the captain of a ship saw lights in the distance. He radioed a message,
“Alter your course 10 degrees south.” Immediately the reply came back, “Alter
your course 10 degrees north.” This made the captain angry. He sent again, “Alter
your course 10 degrees south—I am the captain!” Once again a message came
back, “Alter your course 10 degrees north—I am a seaman third class.” Then the
captain was really irate and tried to frighten the other man. “Alter your course
180 degrees south—I am a battleship!” Clear and straight came the final answer,
“Alter your course 10 degrees north—I am a lighthouse.”

We also must remind ourselves that the law of justice is solid and unmoving like a
lighthouse. It is very wise to turn from foolishness and pride to alter our course,
turning to a better way. Religion teaches, “We will reap what we sow.”

3
Justice Needs a Just Judge

A big question many people have is, “Who is the one that will bring justice?” In
this world justice doesn’t happen unless there is a fair and wise judge. Many times
the poor lose a court case because they could not afford to give the judge a bribe.
Sometimes the judge wants to do what is right, but he is afraid of those who have
power. He doesn’t want to lose his position.

Folktales often talk about the need for a judge who can be trusted. One folktale
tell a story about an argument between a hermit and a tiger. The tiger threatened
to eat the hermit. The hermit screamed for a cow to come, listen to both sides and
decide who was right. After listening, the cow knew the hermit was right, but he
still judged in the tiger’s favor. Why? He did not want to be the next one eaten!

If our common day problems need someone to be a fair and honest judge, what
about the bigger problem of judgment and justice for the good and bad of the
entire world? Who is keeping track of all the actions, thoughts, and motives? No
person is perfectly capable of judging other people. An earthly judge can only see
the outside, not the inner thoughts. It would take Someone who is wise enough
and just enough to do such a great work.

A God of Justice

Let’s look at the ancient Bible scriptures to see what they say. We have already
seen that these scriptures are full of wisdom for our lives. What do they say about
a just judge? Over two thousand five hundred years ago there was a prophet in
the Middle East whose many predictions regarding world empires have come true.
His name Daniel means “God is the Judge.” He had a vision and described it in
these words,

“As I looked thrones were set in place and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His
clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His
throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was
flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:9-10).

This ancient scripture describes a judgment in which a great and mighty God sits
on a throne high above anything in this world. He is known as the One who sees
and knows all things. He says, “I search the heart and examine the mind, to
reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve”
(Jeremiah 17:10).

4
 Thousands upon thousands of angels help in this judgment. The books that are
opened are where the angels have recorded the peoples’ actions and thoughts.
The angels have seen everything people did secretly. Nothing is hidden. Even the
thoughts of the heart like hatred, envy, lust, and desire are recorded there. The
proverb says, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil
and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).

In the vision, Daniel described this God as perfectly holy, without any sin, deceit,
or desire for bribes. He described God as extremely powerful and all knowing.
Those who lied, cheated, and stole are not able to use their money to bribe God to
escape judgment. God judges with righteousness. He does not have favoritism
towards anyone.

History books record that King Ramkhamhaeng of Thailand was highly respected
and trusted by his subjects. If they had a problem they could come to the palace
gate and ring a bell to get his help. A stone inscription of 1292 says, “King
Ramkhamhaeng, the ruler of the kingdom, hears the call; he goes and questions
the man, examines the case, and decides it justly for him. So the people
of...Sukhothai praise him.”

Just leaders and kings like King Ramkhamhaeng remind us of the ancient
scriptures which describe an all-knowing God who is working to bring justice and
order to our world. Unjust, selfish, and greedy leaders make us long for the day of
judgment to arrive. We can be confident, “We will reap what we sow.”

Running in Fear

However, some people become very afraid when they hear about judgment. They
are afraid because they have made so many mistakes. They know that even when
their actions were good, their thoughts and motives were often selfish. Some feel
so discouraged that they think there is no purpose or hope in trying to do what is
right. After being warned about judgment, they run off to do what’s wrong in even
greater ways then before.

This is a big mistake. It seems like an enemy is trying to destroy our lives by
tricking us into doing wrong. Perhaps it’s like the lion in Africa. When a pack of
lions find some zebra and deer, the female lions creep around to the other side of
the prey. Then the male lion shakes his mane and roars. The frightened creatures
run for safety—right into the claws of the female lions.

We must not make the same mistake and let our fear of the judgment make us run
and do evil. We can overcome our enemies and be smarter than deer and zebras!

5
 We should stop and think clearly. Is this great Judge against us or for us? The
Bible says that even now He is seeking to help us.

A woman was once driving in her car late at night. A large truck began to follow
her closely. She was frightened and tried to get away by speeding up. The truck
sped faster as well, almost touching the back of her car. She pulled off the
freeway, but he followed her through the traffic. He even ran a red light in his
pursuit.

Extremely frightened, the lady pulled into a gas station and ran from her car,
screaming for help. The truck driver jumped from his seat, ran to her car and
yanked a man out of her back seat. The lady shook with relief, finally realizing
that she had been running from the very one who was trying to help her. By his
bright lights he had kept a hidden criminal that he had seen from attacking her
and stealing her car.

What will we do with the truth that judgment is coming? If there truly is a great
Judge, how should this affect the way we live? There are at least two very
important actions we can take: 1. Seek to do right. 2. Learn more about the Just
Judge.

1. A Step Forward - Seek to Do Right

Regardless of how much evil a person has done, there is no need to continue in
that way. More evil will only bring greater suffering. Sometimes when we have
done wrong we feel hopeless. It seems impossible to change. We just keep on in
our wrong course. But should we? No! If you accidentally cut yourself, would you
keep on cutting just because you are bleeding? Of course not. You would quickly
grab a bandage and be more careful with the knife. This is true for our lives. We
shouldn’t plunge into more sin just because we have done some bad things. It is
much better to stop and turn to what is right. This will lead to relief and a better
future.

Whenever we are discouraged and feel like giving up on doing what is right, let us
take time to consider the truths in nature, our hearts, and in the Bible. These will
clearly remind us that judgment is certain. Let’s reflect on the pain and suffering
that comes whenever we follow our selfish desires. Let’s think long about the
benefits of speaking kindly to our neighbors, caring for our families, and living
honest, helpful lives.

Beyond doing what is right to help ourselves, we can work to bring justice to
people who are in need right now. The story is told in the Bible of a very noble king
who set up just judges throughout his land to promote fairness, equality, and
justice. He said to them, “Be careful in pronouncing judgment; you are not acting

6
 on human authority, but on the authority of the LORD, and he is with you when you
pass sentence. Honor the LORD and act carefully, because the LORD our God does
not tolerate fraud or partiality or the taking of bribes” (2 Chronicles 19:6,7).

There is much we can do to promote justice. If you are a leader, you can
determinedly resist corruption and help people equally regardless of their status.
If you are a policy-maker you can help make fair policies that will help the poor
and not just the wealthy. There are many things we can do to make this world a
better place if we will just watch and act.

2. A Step Forward - Learn more about the Just Judge

There is a unique courtroom in a certain country. The criminals who are tried
there have been arrested because of using or selling drugs. The judge and the
attorneys have agreed to do everything they can to help these people become free
from their habits and find reputable work.

When a man is convicted of having sold drugs, he is sentenced to jail. However,

the judge rules that he shall be taught a new skill. The judge cooperates with
social agencies to help the criminal’s wife and children have adequate food and
education. Counseling is provided to help the man make changes in his thinking
and behavior.

If you were caught with drugs, wouldn’t you be glad you were sent to that
courtroom? This is an unusual story about an unusual judge. What about the God
who is described as the Just Judge? Does He provide any help to those who face
the judgment?

The very scriptures we’ve been examining are full of helpful counsel that can
prepare us for this judgment. There are many proverbs and stories with examples
of how to live and how not to live. The scriptures say that it is this Just Judge that
has given these scriptures to help us. By reading them we can also learn more
about this God and how He helps people face the judgment.

The story is told of an earthly judge in recent times. He listened to the complaint
of an angry man against a young lady who had injured him in a traffic accident.
The person who had been injured demanded that the lady pay for the damages to
his motorcycle, the cost of setting his broken arm, and additional money for the
months of work he would miss.

When the judge looked, he was surprised to see that the young lady at fault was
actually his own daughter. He saw in her pleading face a mixture of anxiety and

7
 trust. However, he would not neglect the justice and integrity of his position. He
judged her as guilty and fined her a large amount of money.

Court ended and everyone watched to see what would happen between the young
lady and her father, the judge. With dignity, he left his seat, went down to the
main floor and paid the fine himself. He found a way to be both just and merciful.
He followed the law of consequences, yet helped his daughter.

Many believe that the God who is a Just Judge has sufficient power to also help us
face the judgment. Will you search the scriptures and listen to the experience of
others to see if these things are true and helpful? Will you press on in doing what
is right, waiting patiently to see the good results? “We will reap what we sow.”

Meditation Moment

Contemplate the reality of these truths and how your choices affect your future.

 “We reap what we sow.”

 “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the
good” (Proverbs 15:3).

 “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if
we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

Picture the brightness of God’s throne and the angels writing down our actions.
Don’t you want just good things written down?

Think about the story of the judge who was also a kind father. Imagine how happy
she was. Let this story encourage your heart to learn more about God.

The Choice Regarding Judgment is Yours

The darkness of night is broken quietly by the dawning of the sun. The sky gets
lighter and lighter until the sun bursts over the horizon. Perhaps the idea of a
judgment has seemed as forbidding as a moonless night. Have the ideas of this
lesson shed some light on your heart? Are you encouraged to to choose what is
good in life? Think of some area in your life that needs to change and determine
to follow what is right. Choose to learn more about the God who is a
compassionate judge. You will find the light growing brighter and your peace
growing greater.
8
 Take Action: Check the things below that you will put into practice this week.

_____ I will turn from what I know is wrong, choosing instead acts of compassion
and helpfulness.

_____ I will promote justice in my place of work and in my neighborhood.

_____ I will learn more about the God who is a Just Judge and examine His counsel
in the Bible on how to prepare for the judgment.

You have made some excellent choices, and it probably won’t be long until you
again see that it is true, “We reap what we sow.”