Goodness matters to our good God -

Psalm 31:19

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.

When did we stop being just plain good to each other? When did we decide manners, common sense and courtesy no longer matter?

These are questions I've been asking myself especially after reading a blog post in Church and Culture by James Emery White on how Christians have missed the opportunity to rise above the moral, social and political upheavals in this generation. 

We, who know Christ, and who are called His Body, have reacted without unity and Christ-likeness in this environment of meanness.

But the thing is if you are a Christian, you probably don’t think this post is about you. But it is.

We must all take responsibility.  

You, who rants about those who don't belong to your political party; you, who casts the first stone when someone sins differently than you do. You, who posts questionable content on social media…and the list is endless.

 I personally want to reclaim goodness.

Some of my reactions to others and circumstances haven't always matched the goodness I thought was in my heart.  

I believe that God is good in everything that has to do with humanity. I trust His goodness -- with no strings attached.

Based on my beliefs and what I have experienced, I find myself lacking in the goodness that God shows to me more often than I care to admit.

I find myself reacting to the culture with an intolerance that surprises me. 

I want to reclaim that quality -- that outright goodness that's the hallmark of a surrendered spirit. A spirit that is readily detectable because it serves a good God.  

Oh Lord, help us get your goodness back.