Everyone wants and admires goodness. It is somewhat of an abstract quality, yet most people typically think about themselves one of two ways. Either they believe they are a good person, or they constantly believe they are not good enough. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. It is one of the characteristics that should be present in our lives and that readily identifies us as a Christ follower.
INVITATION: Dive in to three Biblical characteristics of goodness this week and see how God might be inviting you deeper in your journey with Him. These characteristics are: 1) integrity (interior life), 2) charity (exterior life) and 3) clarity (God's goodness).
MONDAY: Acts 10:38: How do you measure goodness in your life? What is your standard? Jesus should be our model and our guide. He wasn't just a "nice guy" who lived a long time ago that we should emulate. Jesus is our savior, our Lord our guide. Is He the Lord and Savior in your life? Do you seek to emulate Him in your daily life? To be His student (or disciple)?
TUESDAY: Matthew 23:27-28: The goodness of God deep within us is often called integrity. These verses are referring to the most highly esteemed religious people. They looked good on the outside but inwardly were "dead bones" and "unclean." Sometimes this is referred to as being a hypocrite, i.e. appearing one way on the outside but actually being some other way on the inside. Isn't that a reason many people use to stay away from God and the Church? How is your internal health these days? Do you shy away - or even run away - from any internal examination? When the inside matches the outside we are integrated and whole. The word "integrity" comes from "integer" which means WHOLE. A whole number. Are you a "whole number" or are you living a split, unintegrated life? Jesus can put the pieces together. How might you pray about that today? There is a worldly assumption that anything worthwhile can be acquired almost instantaneously. Our attention spans have been conditioned by our "quick fix" culture. The ways of God are slow and steady. A "long obedience in the same direction." Are you willing to allow God to do his slow work in you? What small steps can you take today?
WEDNESDAY: Matthew 25:31-33: In the middle east, goats and sheep can actually look the same, depending upon how their coats are - or are not - cut. Sheep are followers. Goats are known for doing their own thing and being hard-headed. Though our behavior does not get us into heaven, it should identify us as Christ followers. In today's verses, Jesus is reminding his followers that discipleship is about doing his work in his name and with his heart. Sometimes these "works of mercy" are regarding physical needs (feeding the hungry, offering water to the thirsty, etc.). Works of mercy can also focus on spiritual needs: converting the sinner, counseling, comforting, etc. How have these works of mercy been part of your own life recently? How can they be part of it moving forward?
THURSDAY: Matthew 5:43-45 & Galatians 6:9-10: We are instructed to do good and show mercy to ALL - even those who don't deserve it. How does that make you feel? What would it look like to begin your days praying for opportunities to for this type of lifestyle?
FRIDAY: Luke 6:45: What is the overflow that comes from your heart? It is a good indication of what is being built and cultivated on the inside--your integrity. Without shame or judgment, can you bring that into the presence of the Lord today? Will you allow Him to shine a light on what is on the inside of you and begin to "clean house" and refresh and restore you from the inside out? Luke tells us that God "has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but haas sent the rich away empty." There is no shame or judgment in being "hungry" and "humble". Take it into the presence of Jesus today.
SATURDAY: Philippians 1:3-6: In this letter Paul warmly and joyfully expresses the confidence that God will complete the work of faith and growth in those who are in Christ. Paul's prayer for his readers is that they may grow in love, in discernment and in the fruit of righteousness - - - the art of the unordinary. It is important to look at where you have been and where God is taking you in our spiritual life. If you have been following Jesus for a number of years, recall what your life was like at the beginning of your journey. How have you grown? How has God slowly led and guided you? If you are a more recent Christian, reflect on the promises and faithfulness of God, who calls you to spiritual maturity. What specific aspect of hope or encouragement does this passage offer today?