Friday, July 22, 2005
Unleashing of Goodness on the World
Jesus of Nazareth once said, "Let your light shine before people, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Good deeds. Just what are good deeds? And who does them these days? Dictionary.com says a good deed is "an act or action that is positive or desirable in nature". If that is so aren't there lots of good deeds happening in the world? Like when my daughter Jillian just shares her treat with her brother Conor out of nowhere - good deed. Tonight I was surprised by a delicious dinner at D'Melanio's Cafe on Ocean Ave. by someone whom I hardly know -good deed. My point is that good deeds are worth noting. They're worth celebrating. Acts of goodness deseve attention. I've been working at catching my children doing good things as a way of encouraging them to do more of it. Marcia and I felt like we were always pointing out when they do the wrong things. I feel like a nag sometimes. So, I'm changing that. I belive all that is good in this world of ours is a tribute to the inherent goodness of God. Question for you: Is a positive act on your radar screen? Will you join me in looking for it? NOTE: The Jesus quote is from the Book of Matthew, chapter 5 in the Holy Bible. Check it out.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Amen brother! Without a doubt, we were Created by a Creator that is good. YES! Let's celebrate goodness and good deeds.
However, I would have to say that this is also tricky. Goodness gone bad is a reality, therefore the sanctification process happens not in our effort but in the holiness of Christ in us. Mystically transforming our glimpses of good into forever good.
Not either or of course but one preceded the other. A picture of goodness that is dead to God is that, dead. Yet goodness that flows from the Holiness of Jesus Christ in us, well that is sanctified.
As parents I find that our "nagging" as you state is purely a posture of love. One that recognizes that our children have been born in a broken world that is Loved by a God that is Good.
Today I was reminded by Oswald Chambers that imitating Jesus is not enough. We need Him to perfect us.
PS. Of course when a person who does not know Jesus or abide in Him is or does good, we celebrate the fact that they as orphans got a glimpse of their Creator by way of the DNA of Goodness placed in them. Pointing out the goodness and acknowledging the Father and His Love is Good News!
Post a Comment