A Fruit In Season: Devotions From Time Of GraceSample

Goodness

I recently read an article titled, “Are You a Good Person?” In the article, Life Coach Karen says, “You have to put yourself in the center of your life and then you’ll enjoy doing things for other people. Serving others at your own expense will only make you resentful.” Dr. Hanson, a neuropsychologist, agrees: “Goodness is seeking the happiness and welfare of oneself and others. People are good when their own core needs are met.”

So, phew, don’t expect goodness from me before I’ve had my morning coffee.

It won’t surprise you that this “me first” version of goodness doesn’t match God’s guidelines. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

Where’s the part about seeking my own happiness? God’s requirements just highlight the ways I fall short of goodness! It’s a list that leaves me with one prayer: O give thanks to the Lord for HE is good. By nature, I’m not. But with my welfare in mind, the good God sent his only Son to save me. With no resentment, the good Savior credited his perfect life to me. With quiet humility, the good Spirit works in me so that I conform to God’s will.

I can be good God’s way because my “core need” has been met: I’m forgiven.

I can be good God’s way, because Jesus is the center of my life.

With the Spirit’s help, I can even be good before my morning coffee.