09/20/2021
As Christians we are told, and like, to do good things for those around us. In obeying God by doing good, we often mistake one another as being good, and we say such things as “He is a good man”, or “She is such a good person.”, but if Jesus would not let the rich young man call him good, then how can we possibly refer to one another in this way? Jesus was making a distinction between the act of doing good, and actually being good. We, like Jesus, are doers of good; not actually the embodiment of good, which is limited to God alone.
“And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.”
Mark 10:18 ESV
I was lead to consider the goodness that God embodies while reading my morning devotional this morning. I was struck by this truth when I stumbled upon a quotable phrase written by Andrew Murray regarding this very thought, and truth. What he wrote is to the point and unambiguous, listen…
“This is the amiable nature of God: He is everything that is good.” - Andrew Murray
So often a short exposition of truth like this can lead us into a much deeper thought, and that is exactly what Murray did for me today. God can give us nothing that is not good because that is His nature. He gives to us abundantly the parts and pieces of life, and each is good in itself because it comes from Him, yet we are meant to take what He has given us, and to use, or reconstruct it, into a further goodness.
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Hebrews 13:16 ESV
It is much like the grape; the bunches are good, just the way that God gave them to us from the vine, but when we take them and turn them into wine they are easily kept, and become our joint effort of goodness. Or perhaps grain that is good and nourishing just as we we have harvested it, but then becomes a further goodness and easily distributed when we grind it and make it into bread… God’s goodness combined with man’s efforts, then dispersed to others in need.
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever.”
2 Corinthians 9:8-9 KJV
God provides for us, His children, but we are not supposed to horde the good that we are given. We are to take from His bounty, all that He has given us, and clothe the naked, feed the poor, give drink to the thirsty, and deliver the gospel to those who haven’t heard it.
“For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,”
2 Corinthians 9:12-13 ESV
The danger for us in doing good is that when others see the good things we administer, and which spill over into their lives, they can easily mistake us for being the one that is good, but like Jesus we need to make it clear to them that only God is good, He is that one, and that we are just the reflection, and servant that distributes His goodness. Even one Saint can mistake another for someone who is good, so our guard must always be up, lest we step between God and the glory that comes from His goodness, and which is His alone.
So you ask if there is a blessing in reflecting God’s goodness onto the world, and the answer is yes…
“while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!”
2 Corinthians 9:14-15 ESV
Our blessing isn’t as the result of our good, but rather God’s use of us. Others might try to honor us, and some might even desire to worship us, because of what God has given us to be deliver to them, but our true blessing comes from God’s grace as He uses us as His hands, feet, and messengers to the world. Let’s listen to Jesus again, then look in the mirror at ourselves. Are we really good? Is our every motive good? Do we give all the glory to God for every good thing He asks us to do for Him?
“And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.”
Mark 10:18 ESV
Who is Good? Is it really us?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for being the embodiment of all goodness, but thank you even more Lord for allowing us to help, as Jesus did, to reflect, and distribute your goodness into the world that so desperately needs it. Help us to be righteous as Christ was righteous, and to step aside as all the glory which grateful men offer for the good that has been delivered to them bubbles forth in prayer, and worship. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who is good in every way, and without end. Praised be your name for the parts and pieces of goodness that we receive from you, and for instructing us in how they should be assembled to do your will. Help us to take the combination of wealth, possessions, and inspiration, that you have provided us as instruments of good, and to resist the sin, and evil, of using them to satisfy our own prides, egos, and selves. Forgive us Father for our sin, and lead us by your grace to love, and to do good. Wash us in the cleansing blood of Jesus, as we hear Him call you Abba, Father, and watch as He demonstrates for us the truths of your goodness, love, and the saving power of your grace. Great are you before whom we humble ourselves, and grateful are we to be the instruments of your mercy and good to the world.
Rich Forbes