I’ve written before about one of my favorite books titled “Anyway, The Paradoxical Commandments” by Kent Keith. He lays out 10 paradoxical commandments of life and my favorite is # 10 which states, “Give the world the best you have, and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway”. Throughout my life as a leader, I have learned that no good deed will go unpunished. I have gone out of my way for someone to only have them do something that caused me more aggravation later. As I look back this Labor Day, I am reminded of the “kicked in the teeth” moments throughout my working life and realized that this type of thing happens in life too. We do our best work, give others the benefit of the doubt and then later regret it. These days, we all must continue to give our best despite what might happen. 

I’ve seen organizational leaders lose faith in their people because they’ve been “kicked in the teeth” and now think that everyone in the organization is just a bunch of “winey babies”. They have no trust in anyone, they no longer involve the employees in decision-making; all of which creates a hostile work environment for their employees and themselves. Leaders must stand tall and continue to do what is right, at the right time and for everyone they lead because it’s their responsibility. Sure, leaders will “get kicked in the teeth” but that’s why it’s lonely at the top. People don’t always understand the role of the leader but we know that we will make a difference and that is why we “give the world our best anyway”. 

“⁹Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  Galatians 6:9-10

This verse had a couple of options for things to talk about – doing good and not giving up. While I focused the first part on doing good, I’d like to add the “not giving up” part here. It is tiring always doing good, our sinful nature says “when will someone do good for me?” We seem to be able to justify shortcuts and doing the minimum in our minds. We go around doing things for others, for little recognition I might add, and all we ask in return is a little good coming our way; that’s not too much to ask. The end of verse 8 gives us the answer “the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” 

The “good” coming to you will come from the Holy Spirit. We are encouraged to “do good to all people” but “especially those who belong to the family of believers”. There are no options to be good only to those that are good to us or who won’t make our lives harder. Whether you are a leader, a follower, or a loner, do not become weary of always doing good. In today’s world, there is enough going poorly or plain wrong. I urge you to look beyond today or even tomorrow and see how much more we all gain by doing good. No one said it was easy to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, but the rewards are eternal. Go and do good – Anyway.