Good People

“As it is written

‘None is righteous, no, not one;

no one understands;

no one seeks for God.

All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;

No one does good,

Not even one ‘.” Romans 3:10-12 ESV

“All you have to do is take a close look at yourself and you will understand everyone else.” Isaac Asimov

I’m old enough to remember the television show, Dallas. When J.R. was asked how he could be so cruel, he answered with a tip of his hat and a sneer, “Once you get rid of the conscience, the rest is a piece of cake.” We can sear our conscience.

This is why no one is good: Only God is good. We have a conscience but… “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.”(Luke 18:19 NIV) Proof Jesus is God.

This is why we stumble over each other, judge each other, gossip, ignore and take each other for granted. This is why we pick people that aren’t good for us. We aren’t good! Most of the pain I’ve caused others is because I did not take a close look at myself and projected my faults onto others. So-and-so sure talks too much! Really? Do I? How can they be so oblivious to their appearance? Really? Am I over-involved in my looks?

Self-compassion without self-awareness is narcissistic.

But because Christ died for us, we are transformed into His likeness. What is he like? Of course, the Gospels show Him and the works He did. He listened and he listened carefully. He healed inside and out. He fed many with thanks. He uplifted. He prayed for all. He forgave all. The more we rely on Him and do some work, the more we are promised the fruit of the spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness and self-control. Wouldn’t it be something to project the fruit of the spirit instead of our weaknesses? We can.

Musings

“Every encounter is a holy encounter” I read. What a responsibility! What a purpose! A divine purpose. From the clerk at the grocery store checkout to (gulp) a local politician, all the encounters are holy. Online? Yep–Holy. Doctor’s office? Holy. Even the customer service rep who is putting you through voicemail purgatory.  All of Jesus’ encounters were holy. Like the trite saying, “What would Jesus do?” is to picture Jesus standing beside us during these encounters. Think of the possibilities! For ourselves and others.

Prayer

Dear Father,

We don’t truly recognize how holy our daily encounters are. Jesus did. From the cripple waiting by the pool for healing to the woman caught in adultery, He had encountered many. Even bystanders who recognized this holiness changed too. We forget when caught in the busyness of the day and our tedious self-absorption, all the heavenly and holy encounters that are right in front of us. Help us to be more aware with thanks for the opportunities to do good works. Sometimes it’s a cup of cold water only or a silent prayer but what a privilege to participate in Your Good.

Thank you for our encounters with you every minute and every day at any time and any place.

Amen.