March 30, 2009
Good?
One of the things I “Thank God” for are the people He put around me to keep me
accountable and to correct me when I could be in error or
am close to it. Everyone needs people
around them like this; ie: your spouse, board members, elders.
This weekend while doing a counseling session, Janet felt I had used a word that
in most things people would consider good. Interestingly enough the word was,
“good.”
We know the heart is deceitful. As much as we'd like to believe all people are
good at heart the Bible teaches otherwise and so does simple human experience.
People are capable of doing great good, that's a remnant of being created in
God's image, but our inner being is corrupt.
The idea that we're basically good and getting better has been shown to be a
vain hope. As each century passes we show we're capable of greater evil. We
still focus on self first. Each century brings more killing and destruction and
new atrocities. If I had to place my hope in the inherent goodness of people I'm
afraid my hopes would have been dashed a long time ago.
Anyone who is honest would look at their own thoughts and deeds and know that
their heart isn't good.
Fortunately we don't have to rely on the goodness of mankind. We have the
goodness of God to carry us forward. He is the ultimate good and the creator and
provider of all good things.
James 1:17-18 NIV
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the
heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us
birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all
he created.
Only God is good.
Mark 10:17 NIV
"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone.
When people fail us, we can still hope, when we let ourselves and others down
even in trying to do good, be good and seem good. We can hope and hold onto the
goodness of God. He never disappoints.
Until next time hold fast to Him and remember our goodness and righteousness are
as filthy rags before a Holy God.
Be blessed,
Darrel Mason