Spiritual growth and peoples’ welfare are not mutually exclusive issues. When the spiritually strong try to bless others, they themselves are blessed. The Bible is many things: It is a historical record of how the Israelites lived, biographies of various individuals, the laws and admonitions given to Israel from God through their leaders, a record of their leaders. It is also a historical record of Jesus and the Apostles, the call to become part of our Lord’s church, and guidance for righteous living from Jesus and the Apostles.
The Bible offers many instructions for the natural man. Job 2:10 “But he said to her, ‘You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?’ In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” These scriptures teach men to humble themselves before God and to grow through the good or the tough experiences, whichever God may permit.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for amendment, and for moral discipline to make the man of God proficient and equip him for good work of every kind.” Thankfully, God’s words can serve as guides for every man. When someone obeys the Bible, and draws near to God, God will draw near to him. (James 4:8) Remember Romans 4:3: “For what does scripture say? Abraham believed God and this was counted to him as righteousness.”
Many scriptures admonish us to do good. This is not only for our spiritual growth, but also for the welfare of ourselves and other people. Matthew 5:3-12 is the account of the beatitudes where Jesus lists character qualities of people that will be blessed. He also teaches everyone how to pray in Matthew 5:9-13. We are told that we should not be quick to judge unless we want to be judged with the same attitude in Matthew 7:1-5. Verse 12 gives us the golden rule instructing us to treat others as we want to be treated. The wisdom manifest in these scriptures promote health and welfare for the natural man and the spiritual new creature.
Romans 15:1-2: “We who have strong faith ought to shoulder the burden of the doubts and qualms of others and not just go our own sweet way. Our actions should mean the good of others—should help them build up their characters.” (Phillips Translation)
