Emulating Goodness
6/5/2024
"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God."
- 3 John 1:11 NIV
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with images and messages that glorify evil and promote selfishness, it can be easy to give in to temptation and follow the ways of the world. But as followers of Christ, we are called to be different. We are called to imitate what is good and to shine the light of God's love in a dark and broken world.
In this powerful verse, John provides a clear and compelling directive: "do not imitate what is evil but what is good." This straightforward advice encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of Christian living and the call to reflect God's character in our actions.
John's encouragement to "imitate what is good" implies a deliberate choice and effort. Goodness, as defined by God's standards, is not always the easiest path, especially in a world that often glorifies the opposite. Yet, it is this very pursuit of goodness that marks us as children of God.
To "do what is good" means to align our lives with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. It involves kindness, compassion, honesty, humility, and love. These virtues are not merely moral guidelines; they are reflections of God's nature. When we embrace and exhibit these qualities, we show the world what God is like.
Conversely, John warns against imitating evil. Engaging in actions that are contrary to God's character—such as deceit, hatred, and selfishness—distances us from Him. John emphasizes that those who habitually engage in evil have not truly "seen" God, meaning they lack a genuine understanding or relationship with Him.
So what can we do to help us emulate the goodness of God? Here are four things for you to consider.
1. Self-Examination:
Take time today to reflect on your actions and attitudes. Are they aligned with the goodness that God calls us to? Identify any areas where you might be imitating what is evil and seek God's help to change.
2. Seek God's Guidance:
Regularly pray and read Scripture to understand what is truly good in God's eyes. Let His Word be your guide and source of inspiration.
3. Be a Light:
Look for opportunities to do good in your community. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can make a significant impact and serve as a testimony to others of God's love.
4. Accountability:
Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage and challenge you to live out your faith authentically. Share your struggles and victories with them, and support each other in the journey of imitating what is good.
Let us remember that when we choose to do what is good, we are aligning ourselves with God and His will for our lives. We are showing the world that we belong to Him and that His love and grace are at work in us. Let us strive to be examples of goodness and love in all that we do, knowing that our actions have the power to impact those around us for the better.
In a world filled with both good and evil, the choice of what to imitate is ours. Let us heed John's exhortation to pursue and embody goodness, for in doing so, we honor God and shine His light in the darkness. Remember, each act of goodness is a reflection of God's presence in us and a step closer to becoming who He has called us to be.
May we seek God's guidance and strength each day as we strive to imitate what is good and resist the temptations of evil. And may we always remember that when we choose to do what is good, we are truly reflecting the light of Christ to a world in desperate need of His love.
Dear Lord, help me to discern what is good and to choose it over what is evil. Strengthen me to reflect Your goodness in my thoughts, words, and actions. Let my life be a testament to Your love and truth. Guide me each day to walk in Your ways, and fill me with the courage to stand against the evils of this world. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God."
- 3 John 1:11 NIV
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with images and messages that glorify evil and promote selfishness, it can be easy to give in to temptation and follow the ways of the world. But as followers of Christ, we are called to be different. We are called to imitate what is good and to shine the light of God's love in a dark and broken world.
In this powerful verse, John provides a clear and compelling directive: "do not imitate what is evil but what is good." This straightforward advice encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of Christian living and the call to reflect God's character in our actions.
John's encouragement to "imitate what is good" implies a deliberate choice and effort. Goodness, as defined by God's standards, is not always the easiest path, especially in a world that often glorifies the opposite. Yet, it is this very pursuit of goodness that marks us as children of God.
To "do what is good" means to align our lives with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. It involves kindness, compassion, honesty, humility, and love. These virtues are not merely moral guidelines; they are reflections of God's nature. When we embrace and exhibit these qualities, we show the world what God is like.
Conversely, John warns against imitating evil. Engaging in actions that are contrary to God's character—such as deceit, hatred, and selfishness—distances us from Him. John emphasizes that those who habitually engage in evil have not truly "seen" God, meaning they lack a genuine understanding or relationship with Him.
So what can we do to help us emulate the goodness of God? Here are four things for you to consider.
1. Self-Examination:
Take time today to reflect on your actions and attitudes. Are they aligned with the goodness that God calls us to? Identify any areas where you might be imitating what is evil and seek God's help to change.
2. Seek God's Guidance:
Regularly pray and read Scripture to understand what is truly good in God's eyes. Let His Word be your guide and source of inspiration.
3. Be a Light:
Look for opportunities to do good in your community. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can make a significant impact and serve as a testimony to others of God's love.
4. Accountability:
Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage and challenge you to live out your faith authentically. Share your struggles and victories with them, and support each other in the journey of imitating what is good.
Let us remember that when we choose to do what is good, we are aligning ourselves with God and His will for our lives. We are showing the world that we belong to Him and that His love and grace are at work in us. Let us strive to be examples of goodness and love in all that we do, knowing that our actions have the power to impact those around us for the better.
In a world filled with both good and evil, the choice of what to imitate is ours. Let us heed John's exhortation to pursue and embody goodness, for in doing so, we honor God and shine His light in the darkness. Remember, each act of goodness is a reflection of God's presence in us and a step closer to becoming who He has called us to be.
May we seek God's guidance and strength each day as we strive to imitate what is good and resist the temptations of evil. And may we always remember that when we choose to do what is good, we are truly reflecting the light of Christ to a world in desperate need of His love.
Dear Lord, help me to discern what is good and to choose it over what is evil. Strengthen me to reflect Your goodness in my thoughts, words, and actions. Let my life be a testament to Your love and truth. Guide me each day to walk in Your ways, and fill me with the courage to stand against the evils of this world. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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