It's All Good

"Am I a good man?"

The scene is Normandy Beach in France.  The now aged Private James Francis Ryan kneels at the gravesite of Captain John Miller pondering the worth of his life.  It was Captain Miller who found the lone surviving Ryan son/brother in Spielberg's epic, "Saving Private Ryan". Through the sacrifice of his life and others, Captain Miller secured for James a future that he and his comrades would never personally realize.

Contemplating his life now mostly lived the former Private recalls the heroism that insured his life and the Ryan surname.  "Am I a good man?"

Great question.  I have asked myself that very question.  You probably have as well.  What ultimately makes a person "good"?  Who decides what "good" is?  Others?  Your Mama?  Friends, your boss, the Sheriff or maybe the IRS, right?

In the Bible, "good" is external expression of an internal kindness.  It is more than feeling pity, or being emotionally charged with compassion or well meaning intent.  The reason that the young, wealthy decision maker rushed to Jesus for answers was because he was convinced of His true identity by what He did; "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"(Read Mark 9:17-22 for the details.).   Goodness is spiritual virtue applied.  It is the character of Christ-likeness that oozes out of a believers lifestyle by tangible acts prompted by godly desire.  "Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all." (Galatians 6:10).  The goodness of the Heavenly Father emanates from the life of the serious minded Christ follower to as those whose life he/she intersects with or is attached to.  You know you are a "Do Good-er" when:    

• When you want to bless more than be blessed.       
• When your internal desire to make a difference really makes a difference.      
• When His Spirit affirms your motives and your actions toward others.      
• When your goodness extends the Father's reputation as the Ultimate Good God. 

Think of the multiple ways that you are experiencing God's goodness right now.  He doesn't have to bless you...He wants to!  When you determine to grow in goodness, you will want to bless others as well.  Start simple.  Are you good to your spouse?  How about the kids and grand kids?  Are you expressing goodness or contempt at the workplace or in the neighbors?

Plan to grow in the spiritual inventory that describes an obvious progress maker in matters spiritual according to Galatians 5:22-23).  Go to www.camdenbc.com and take the 40 Day Personal Growth Challenge that is designed to bring even more of God's goodness into your life.  When the time comes for you to look backwards and self-evaluate, you could be able to honestly celebrate God's goodness toward you and having operated through you in blessing others.

Your life story could be just as epic!  Make sure it is.