(Watch the Choir’s performance of this song from the September 18, 2022 broadcast of Music & the Spoken Word.)

The energetic hymn “Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?” is an encouraging reminder to each of us about the importance of giving service to others. Notice that the acts of service mentioned in the lyrics of this hymn are not grand gestures requiring physical strength, a large time commitment, or even financial resources—but rather the small, everyday acts of service that would be possible for everyone each day.  Have you cheered up the sad?  Have you made someone feel glad? Have you been willing to share?  

This beautiful hymn intentionally reminds all that we must “wake up” and “do more than dream” thinking that we’ll be able to do something to help another at some later time. There are so many opportunities to serve others around us that we should “go and do something today.”  The lyrics also gently remind us: “Only he who does something helps others to live. To God each good work will be known.”

When you think of giving service, don’t you usually first consider if you personally have the time, energy, or resources to commit at that time before reaching out? But what about the needs of others?  

Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985), former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taught “God does notice us, and He watches over us. But it is usually through another person that He meets our needs.” 

Will you be that person? 

Remember to ask yourself each day, "have I done any good in the world today?"

Ponder the hymn and its message of encouragement for service—or read through the lyrics below.

Have I Done Any Good? 

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.

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.