What is “good”?

            You may think you’re a good person, but my question to you is “compared to who?” Exactly who would you like to compare yourself to so you can feel like you are a good person? Adolph Hitler? The “jerk” around the corner from you? The “nervy woman” at work? How would you define “being good”? A definition for good must be universally accepted, not accepted just by you. Perhaps this is why in the gospel of Mark 10:18 (NIV), Jesus Himself says the following: “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.”

            According to the Bible, God defines "good" as morally excellent, virtuous, righteous, of high quality, and beneficial. Goodness is not merely a human standard but is rooted in God's own nature, which is perfectly good and holy. God's goodness is revealed in His creation, where He declared everything He made to be good, culminating in the summary that creation was "very good". This goodness is consistent across Scripture, with God being described as the ultimate standard of all that is good.

God's goodness is demonstrated in His actions, including His law, which is holy, righteous, and good. It is also seen in His self-giving, other-centered love, exemplified in Jesus Christ, who laid down His life as the ultimate expression of goodness. The Bible teaches that God is the source of every good and perfect gift, and His nature is such that He cannot do evil or even desire to do wrong, as it would contradict His inherent goodness.

Furthermore, the concept of good in the biblical sense is tied to moral excellence and right behavior, involving kindness, justice, righteousness, holiness, and purity. Goodness is not just about avoiding evil but actively pursuing what is right and beneficial.  Ultimately, God's definition of good is inseparable from His character—He is the source, standard, and embodiment of all that is truly good. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.christianitytoday.com

 

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            I’ve said in the past that “once born we die a little bit each day”, but I was thinking just yesterday, is that literally true? I found this regarding that.

“The saying "once we're born we die a little bit each day" is not a scientific fact but a philosophical reflection on the nature of life and mortality. While our bodies grow and thrive for decades after birth, the process of aging and eventual decay is an inevitable part of the human life cycle.” ^[1]

            What it actually is is more of a reminder of our own mortality, if you want to be honest about it. Since death is inevitable for everyone, if shines a spotlight on the fact that our time on this earth is limited. With that in mind we should remember to cherish each moment we are above ground and live life to the fullest every day.

            Now there IS the thought from a religious perspective that we are to “die daily” as we practice self-control and surrender our will to a higher power. It means we are to cast aside selfish desires and strive instead to live a more spiritual life devoted to God.

            An interesting point is that scientifically speaking our bodies from birth are in a constant state of cellular regeneration. New cells are born and replace the older, dying ones, and this takes place every single day we are alive. For example, we don’t have the same skin cells we had a decade ago, a year ago, even a month ago. Constant regeneration.

            As we age there is a slow, gradual decline, which counters the thought that we die a little each day we are alive. So the entire concept of dying each day compared to life itself is more symbolic, rather than literal. As we understand this it should cause us to focus on the present and recognize the finite nature of life as a motivational tool that can encourage us to seize the day, appreciate each moment, rather than dwell on the end of your life.

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] This was an AI reflection on the topic discussed.

Thoughts from a Random Mind

                               “The phrase “the devil’s in the details” means small, often overlooked elements in a plan, project, or situation can contain hidden problems or complications that threaten its overall success. It serves as a cautionary reminder that seemingly insignificant particulars can have a major negative impact if not carefully examined.” ^[1]

            The earliest citation of the phrase is from around the 1880’s by German philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900).  We know from scripture that the devil is a devious liar who is in direct opposition to Almighty God. He wreaks havoc whenever possible in his attempt to foil God’s plans. His efforts only succeed temporarily because God allows it, but His long term success against the children of God is limited as long as we stay close to our Heavenly Father and trust Him.

            Whenever plans are made careful attention must be paid to every detail, for to not do so can cause a mistake that has the potential to cause your entire situation to become mired in quicksand or worse. The devil is no friend to the righteous ones at all. He does all he can daily to trip us all up. God allows these trip ups as a means of training us to exercise our faith and trust in Him. He has a plan for each one of us to prosper us spiritually and bless us abundantly. The devil is out to short circuit those plans. 

            If our focus is on the Lord and not the problem then we will avoid the pitfalls that can arise from focusing on something other than the Lord. The devil may be in the details; however, God is also in the details and can easily circumvent the plans of the enemy.

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] http://www.grammarist.com

Thoughts from a Random Mind

           Why would someone die for me? Would I do the same? Would my resolve be to replicate another’s actions even if I didn’t know them? I think that is highly doubtful. So why? Why would the Son of God come down to the earth He created to purposely suffer and die for His creation, knowing that millions would ignore His actions and even deny that it even happened? The answer to that question is fairly simple. It comes down to love.

            As humans we really have no concept of what true love is. We think we know, but what we get for an answer translates into physical love, rather than emotional love. Sexual satisfaction rather than comfort, and compassion. Personal entitlement instead of lasting, deep abiding, intimate, never fading affection that can last a lifetime. Divorce destroys true love for it is based on selfish desires. Breaking vows are too commonplace and thus are barely taken serious anymore.

            Jesus came to set us free from ourselves; our frail, sinful, broken selves, that we may know what it means to truly live a life filled with joy, peace, contentment, and love. He is our example of what love should look like. He is the template. He is the one perfect example that is to be replicated. His willingness to take a horrific beating on our behalf and knowing full well what the outcome would be, allowed Himself to be spiked to a wooden cross like a common criminal for all world to see. 

He died in our place. How do you feel about that? How should you feel about that? Are you grateful? He saved our lives, but if we walk away the same as we came than His death doesn’t apply to us. Embrace the love. Live with a spirit of gratitude. God could have let us all die in our sins, but His love was so great, so never-ending, that He could not allow that to happen. Shun Him if you want, but the door to freedom and eternity is currently wide open. One day it will close, never to be open again. Loving and serving God is the only path to heaven. There is no other way, regardless of what man may say. In the end, when time is no more, it will be too late. Decide now whom you shall serve. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.

            Until next time, walk with the Lord & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Absolution Day

            “An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty; forgiveness of an offense.”

            Your Absolution Day is the day you receive Christ as your personal Lord & Savior. Mine was March 21, 1979, in the kitchen of the Chi Alpha leader’s apartment in Montclair, NJ. I was 24 years old. My life has had its ups & downs, but it has all been worth it. The downs were admittedly my doing. The ups were when I actually listened to the Lord and followed thru with His plan for my life. 

            Life can become mundane, but it doesn’t have to. It all depends on where your focus lies. If it lies on the things you see as problems then depression could enter in. We should place our focus on the great problem solver, Almighty God. Now the problems don’t always disappear right away, but if your trust matches your faith & belief in God then you may begin to see those problems as opportunities to grow rather than what you have been seeing them as; blockades to your happiness. Being happy is definitely a choice. If your focus is aimed directly at your problems, then happiness will not be found. But life is much more than just being happy. It’s about learning and growing. For the follower of Christ that learning and growing comes from your relationship to Him.  It takes a certain level of commitment and a “want to”. Do you WANT to know the Lord better? Do you sincerely desire to enhance your relationship with Him? It takes work. It takes determination. It takes a “stick to it” attitude despite any trials that may come. 

            Absolution Day is a day of victory! It is a day when freedom has come to you. Understand what it means and embrace it. You are free, not to do your own thing, but to commit your way to God and all He has for you. He knows you better than you know yourself and causes and/or allows everything that happens in your life for a specific purpose, so rejoice, for the Lord loves you without conditions placed upon that love and He always will. What He did for you thru His Son Jesus Christ makes Him more than worthy of ALL our praise. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            Actions speak louder than words. Perhaps you’ve heard this before. St. Anthony of Padua (c. 1195–1231) has had an early version of this phrase attributed to him. He said in a 13th-century sermon, "Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak". But what does it mean?

            Its’ meaning would seem to be rather straight forward. I take this quote to mean that you can speak volumes regarding God and your relationship to Him without saying a word, by putting scripture into practice. Robert T. Kiyosaki ^[1] is quoted a saying, "Talk is cheap. Learn to listen with your eyes. Actions do speak louder than words". A person can say just about anything, yet never follow thru on what he or she has said, but follow your words with action and now you’ve done something that cannot be countered very easily for the evidence is front and center. 

            I close with this quote from St. Francis of Assisi, who said, “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” Let us minister the word of God thru our actions and not only by our words. Anyone can talk a good game, but if you do not follow it with corresponding action, you are wasting your time.  Actions do indeed speak much louder than words ever could and ever will.

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] Robert T. Kiyosaki is an American investor, entrepreneur, educator, and author best known for his international bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad, which has sold over 27 million copies worldwide and is recognized as the longest-running bestseller on multiple major lists, including The New York Times, Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.

Thoughts from a Random Mind

           What sort of people should a Christian spend time with?  Only those who believe the way they do? No. That would make you somewhat of an isolationist in the respect that you want to isolate yourself from the outside world and live in a bubble. It is important to have Christian influences in your life, but not to the exclusion of those who are in need of Christ as their Savior.

Should you mingle only with the unsaved? Sometimes that’s the way your life ends up. You work with them, go to school with them, live near them... That makes it all the more important to have contact with other believers to counterbalance worldly influences. 

What about if your best friends are either unsaved or claim to be Christians yet exhibit no spiritual fruit. What if you vent to those same friends about all your problems and they either commiserate with you or advise you from their secular perspective? How would you grow spiritually? You love the Lord, but seem to serve Him under YOUR terms rather than His. You don’t like to go to church because either the sermons are too long or they are always asking for money (or both). You don’t feed your spirit man or woman, so you are susceptible to having your faith wilt. 

In my humble opinion, spending most of your time with unsaved people when your own walk with the Lord is weak presents a dilemma that is easy to fix, but you have to be willing to have it fixed. We are told in scripture to be ambassadors of Christ; His representatives in a sin-sick world. What good are you to the Lord if your focus is on the wrong thing? 

This world will pass away at some point in time, and all our material possessions will rot and blow away.  What we have done for Christ will last for all eternity. Now I am not for one second saying we should shun the unsaved. Never. We just need to try to have a healthy balance of folks who we can interact with, whether liberal or conservative, Christian or not. Rely on the Lord for advice and/or a trusted brother or sister in Christ. Be mindful of your relationship with the Lord. He loves you and desires your company. Don’t think for a moment that just because He cannot be seen that that is nonsense. It should be the closest, most intimate relationship we have, with our spouses, and families being right behind a close second. Use your relationship with your unsaved friends to share your faith with the end result potentially being their receiving Christ. 

We need to take our relationship with Christ seriously, while not allowing ourselves to become so heavenly minded that we’re no earthly good. A healthy balance. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries