Being Good Posted by Ashleigh Slater on July 1, 2008

Today we kick off our July discussion of goodness with two articles: "Shine, Jesus, Shine" and "The Pursuit of Goodness."

In "Shine, Jesus, Shine," Ashley Weis shares how we can't obtain goodness on our own. Instead, it's something that shines through us when we seek more of Jesus and less of ourselves. She talks about the example her former pastor has been of what it means to radiate God's goodness. She writes:

Have you ever met someone who radiated Jesus?

The pastor of my former church in Maryland radiated Jesus. His actions echoed goodness, instead of good things. He did good things, but they surfaced from the goodness in his heart. God's goodness.

Sometimes I'd walk into church after an event and he would be sweeping the floor alone, singing to Jesus. He made an effort to know every sheep in his flock. One mother explained to me, wiping tears from her eyes, how "Craig just loves. I remember when my daughter was in a coma he sat by her hospital bed holding her hand and praying for her for hours."

He's trudged through three feet of snow to preach a sermon that barely anyone showed up to hear. When I think of him, I think of someone who literally lays his life down for God and others. Through his self-sacrifice he shines the goodness of Christ in this world.

Our second article "The Pursuit of Goodness," by Jodie Susanne Eyberg, also addresses the issue of how we can't be good on our own. She talks about how even though our efforts are like "filthy rags," our pursuit of goodness can still bring glory and honor to God.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this week's articles. What did you walk away from each thinking?

Comments

[Rachael]

Shine, Jesus, Shine strikes a chord with me. I am very conscious that "serving" isn't always servant-hearted or more holy than serving God invisibly or by sitting at Jesus' feet...and that the invisible acts of service stemming from love are so beautiful...I am reminded of a Jim Elliot quote (from "Shadow of the Almighty") I found a couple of years back:

"“….The subject was ‘What I as a Junior Wish Someone had Told Me When I was a Freshman.’ I mentioned that beyond ‘believing’ and ‘behaving’ in the Christian life, there is also ‘being,’ and I brought in New Testament exhortations such as

‘Be not ignorant.’
‘Be not deceived.’
‘Be sober.’
‘Be vigilant.’
‘Be mindful of the Word.’
‘Be steadfast,’ etc. ” (p. 47)"

Real transformation happens from an outflow of what Christ does in the heart.

[Marian]

I loved the "Pursuit of Goodness". I find myself in those situations often, doing good while thinking so much worse. It is encouraging to know that God really can work with us despite our own agenda. Thank you!