Humanitarian aid. Social Conscience. Altruism. Charity. Philanthropy. Relief. All those things reflect Doing Good. We all need to give back. Especially those of us who live in areas that have running water, and no bombs going off at the town square. Christ said, “For the poor always ye have with you; ” I interpret that to mean we are responsible to those less fortunate than ourselves. Charity cannot be forced by a government agency, because if it is, it’s not charity. It becomes something worse, it makes men worse, and the quiet act of giving is gone.
Have I Done Any Good?
1. Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?
[Chorus]
Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansion above.
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.
2. There are chances for work all around just now,
Opportunities right in our way.
Do not let them pass by, saying, “Sometime I’ll try,”
But go and do something today.
’Tis noble of man to work and to give;
Love’s labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something helps others to live.
To God each good work will be known.
Text and music: Will L. Thompson, 1847–1909, alt.
