We live in such a crazy and sin sick world. The news is depressing. You, like me have probably turned it all off for a few days at a time. We just can’t stand to hear anything else BAD. What I am about to write may seem to simplistic, however it is true. If we focus on things that are lovely, of good report, etc. our minds won’t be so stressed by the things of this world. Give it a try and see how much better you feel.
Page after page can be written about a person’s life. We call this a biographical view of an individual. However, sometimes a biography can be summed up in just a few words. These expressions refer to the character and/or impact someone had on the lives of those they lived around. Last year, in our ladies ministries of the UPCI we focused on “Leaving a LEGACY”. Usually when you mention someone’s name who has gone on to their reward you don’t go into a great dissertation. You simply say things like, “He was a GOOD man”. “What a man of WISDOM”. “She was such a LADY”. “She was a QUEEN”, etc. and we all know what you are talking about. That one word pretty much sums it up, how a person lived their life.
When Peter was sharing the Gospel with Cornelius and his household, before pointing to the Crucified Christ and the forgiveness of sins that can be received in His Name…He summed up the life of Christ like this:
Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
GOOD is what we can expect associated with God.
GOODNESS is what marked the essence of Jesus being here on earth. He was GOOD to others. It wasn’t because they deserved it but because it was needed and would ultimately bring glory to God.
When Jesus was to come on the world scene it was announced by angels with GOODNESS….Luke says it like this, “Fear Not, for behold I bring you GOOD NEWS of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Jesus came to earth during a time when there was definitely a need for some GOODNESS. We live in such a time right now, today! Among all the bad news there is need for GOOD NEWS and maintaining our focus on Jesus! If we seriously focus on the GOODNESS of Jesus and portray that in our lives, then we will have opportunity to share the GOOD NEWS with people in this trying time. Folks will want to know why you can be so happy and peaceful in this time of insecurity. Keep your focus on JESUS!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of this world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
Have a GOOD Day for GOODNESS sake.
