If I Would Do Good to the World

The plain practical lesson which lies upon its surface. 

• That lesson is read out to us by our Lord. 
• He says, "I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

HUMILITY is evidently one part of the lesson. 

• If the only-begotten Son of God, the King of kings, did not think it beneath Him to do the humblest work of a servant, 
• there is nothing which His disciples should think themselves too great or too good to do. 
• No sin is so offensive to God, and so injurious to the soul as pride. 

No grace is so commended, both by precept and example, as humility. 

• "Be clothed with humility." 
• "He who humbles himself shall be exalted." 

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God--

• but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men--
• and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself." (1 Pet. 5:5; Luke 18:14; Phil. 2:5-8.) 

Well would it be for the Church if this very simple truth was more remembered, and real humility was not so sadly rare. 

• Perhaps there is no sight so displeasing in God's eyes as a self-conceited, self-satisfied, self-contented, stuck-up professor of religion. 
• Alas, it is a sight only too common! 
• Yet the words which John here records have never been repealed. 
• They will be a swift witness against many at the last day, except they repent

LOVE is manifestly the other part of the great practical lesson. 

• Our Lord would have me love others so much that I should delight to do anything which can promote their happiness. 
• I ought to rejoice in doing kindnesses, even in little things. 
• I ought to count it a pleasure to lessen sorrow and multiply joy, even when it costs me some self-sacrifice and self-denial. 

I ought to love every child of Adam so well, that if in the least trifle I can do anything to make him more happy and comfortable, I should be glad to do it. 

• This was the mind of the Master, and this the ruling principle of His conduct upon earth. 
• There are but few who walk in His steps, it may be feared; but these few are men and women after His own heart.

The lesson before me may seem a very simple one; but its importance can never be overrated. 

• Humility and love are precisely the graces which the men of the world can understand, if they do not comprehend doctrines. 
• They are graces about which there is no mystery, and they are within reach of all Christians. 
• The poorest and most ignorant Christian can every day find occasion for practicing love and humility. 

Then if I would do good to the world, and make my calling and election sure, 

• let me not forget my Lord's example in this passage. 
• Like Him, let me be humble and loving towards all.

Adapted Excerpt From

The Gospel of John

J. C. Ryle