In the lovely list of holy indicators given from the inspired pen of Paul we see that the sixth characteristic of a life that is devoted to holiness is "goodness" (Gal. 5:22-23). The Greek word here is AGATHOSUNE, the first part (AGATHOS), signifying essentially that which is good and beneficial in its effect. Let us notice some of the ways in which the word is employed in order to gain a better appreciation for just what is required of us in order to be filled with goodness.
This word is used of physical things, such as a tree: "Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit..." (Mt. 7:17). It is also used of the ground: "And other fell upon good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold..." (Lk. 8:8). This word is properly used to describe God: "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments" (Mt. 19:17). The word is applied to persons: "Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good?" (Mt. 20:15). "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou in to the joy of thy Lord" (Mt. 25:21). "And behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just..." (Lk. 23:50).
This word is also used of Christians in the New Testament: "And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another" (Rom. 15:14). "For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth" (Ephesians 5:9). "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power" (II Thes. 1:11).
This word indicates not only a gentle approach to doing good things, but also a harsher approach, such as was employed by the Lord in cleansing the temple: "And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves" (Mt. 21:12-13). Herein Jesus acted harshly, physically overturning the tables and driving some out of the temple. His actions were not gentle, but they were good. They were good in that they accomplished the will of God and pointed these men toward that which was truly needed in their lives, i.e. reverence and respect for things holy. Another example of this kind of goodness may be seen in the actions and words of Jesus toward the Pharisees and Scribes in Matthew 23:13-29. He was very blunt in his words, but they stood in need of this kind of speech. He was good when he said bad things about them, for they needed to have them said.
Are you a good person? I do not mean by that to ask if you break the laws of the land, but rather I mean to indicate your obedience to the Lord. Have you done that which is required of the Lord in order to be saved? Are you seeking first the kingdom (Mt. 6:33)? Do you regularly and faithfully attend the services of the Lord's church (Heb. 10:25)? Have you added the Christian graces to your life (II Pt. 1:5 ff)? Do you obey the Lord in all things (Ph. 2:12, Heb. 5:8-9, 10:26)? Good men and women do the things that are commanded them of the Lord, I urge you to be truly good.
Are you a Christian? Have you heard and believed the truth (Rom. 10:17, Heb. 11:6), repented of sins (Lk. 13:3), confessed Christ (Acts 8:37), and been properly baptized (Acts 22:16)? Are you being faithful in all things (Rev. 2:10)?
Tim Smith 1272 Enon Rd. Webb, AL 36376 (334) 899-8131
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