“There was once an American actress and playwright,” Stan began, “who is quoted as saying that ‘Goodness has nothing to do with it’, when a friend commented, ’Goodness, what lovely diamonds!’.”
“What does that have to do with anything?” I responded.
“Lots,” Stan replied. “In the first place, it shows the difference between what the world values and what God values. God values true goodness. The world not so much.”
“Second,” he continued, “it gives credence to what the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Galatia about doing good to everyone while we have the opportunity to do so.”
He added, “I don’t know all that is going to happen in heaven, but I think it is likely that my opportunity to do good will end when my time here is done. I don’t want to miss any opportunity to do the good God intends while I wait for the train on this side of eternity.”
“And,” Stan said, “there is a third thing about goodness that, to me, is really important for my walk with God.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“The Holy Spirit,” Stan replied. “Goodness is listed as the fruit of the Holy Spirit. He is in me for a number of reasons, one of which is to manifest His fruit. If my life is not manifesting the goodness that God intends, I need to check to see what is blocking it.”
“And,” he continued, “I can say without a doubt, because I have lots of experience, that such blockage usually occurs because I am focusing on what I want to do apart from what God has for me to do. If I am not manifesting goodness, it is time to get myself out of the way so the Holy Spirit can do what He wants.”
“So,” Stan concluded, “for me, goodness has everything to do with how I am to live my life on this side of eternity. The world may not value true goodness, but God does, and I choose to go with Him!”
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So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Galatians 6:10.
But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . goodness. Galatians 5:22.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your goodness that has given me the assurance of spending eternity with you when it is time, along with the opportunity to know you on this side of eternity. Thank you for the presence in me of your Holy Spirit who has the fruit of goodness. I confess that way too often my life does not display or manifest the goodness you intend. Please forgive me. And please, Father, help me in following your lead in truly manifesting all of the goodness you intend for me to manifest to all people, but especially to my fellow believers. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Things to think (and journal) about:
1. What is your biggest take-away from this devotional?
2. What does this devotional say about God and about us as His people?
3. What is God saying to you to do personally?
4. Who can you share this with to make a difference?
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Comments, questions, suggestions, and the like can be addressed to The Storyteller at: waiting4thetrain@gmail.com.
Waiting for the Train 