“Are you a good person?”
According to an online article by Kelly Allen and discussed in detail on Twitter and Reddit, there is an easy way to tell.
Allen opines, “What You Do With Your Shopping Cart When You’re Done With It Says A Lot About You.”
The article points out that while it’s not illegal, nor will you suffer any consequences to abandoning your cart in the grocery store parking lot, a good person will do the right thing and leave the cart in the designated area.
By that standard, I will admit that there are times when I have not been a good person.
While this test may seem somewhat superficial, there are many small acts of kindness in which we can demonstrate goodness to others. Opening the door for a stranger. Saying thank you, you’re welcome, and excuse me when appropriate. Allowing someone to turn in front of us when waiting at a traffic light.
Goodness is fundamental to the Christian’s character as he/she develops the fruit of the Spirit. Paul says so in Galatians 5:22-24.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
By Biblical definition “goodness” describes the constitution of one’s character that has a beneficial effect. Goodness involves moral qualities that are honorable. Barclay says it is “closely connected to kindness” which we discussed last week. Wiersbe observes that goodness “is love in action.” By that standard the 15 qualities of 1 Corinthians 13 will help us measure our goodness.
We would also evaluate our goodness by considering the life of Christ. Luke says he “went about doing good” (Ax. 10:34). There is an innate understanding of what it means to “do good” as Paul often commanded (Gal. 6:10; 1Tim. 6:18;Heb.13:16).
An example of goodness is illustrated in a first century disciple named Barnabas. The Bible says, “he was a good man” (Acts 11:24). We see his goodness in at least three ways:
#1Generosity.
When fellow Christians were in need, he sold his property and brought the proceeds to the apostles to provide for his brethren (Acts 4:23-32). Goodness motives us to be charitable in helping others. The Hebrew writer reminds us, “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased (13:16).
#2 Gladness.
When Barnabas came to Antioch and saw the good work other brethren had accomplished, he realized it was by “the grace of God,” and “he was glad.” (Acts 11:23). Goodness is not jealous over other’s success, nor is it in competition with their ministry. Goodness rejoices with those who rejoice (Rom. 12:12).
#3 Encouragement.
The name Barnabas means “son of encouragement.” He encouraged the Antioch Christians “that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.” Good people are encouragers. They lift up. Compliment. Embolden. Reassure. And strengthen.
Our goodness ought not to be for selfish motives, forced obligation, or ungodly gain. We should be good, because God is good. Because we are led by the Spirit. Because we are called by a higher calling and nobler motives.
Goodness is doing the right thing for the right reason.
Psychologist Dr. Phil Stack in his book “Being Good: A Medley of Love,” observes that human beings are “uniquely valuable, special, and important” because they are “created in the image of God.” Since goodness is God’s nature, this virtue ought to flow through us. Phil asks, “How can we increase the flow of God’s goodness into a needy world? By knowing where to be good, when to be good, how to be good, and why to be good.“
Christians know the where, when, how, and why of goodness because they “walk in the spirit,” instead of “fulfilling the lusts of the flesh.”
Finally, remember what made the Good Samaritan good was that he demonstrated the fruit of goodness.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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