I Follow The Thing That Good Is

They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries;

 because I follow the thing that good is.

Psalm 38:20

We all follow something. Whether we like to admit it or not it doesn't change the fact that we are designed to be, and in fact are, all followers. The challenge that faces us all is what it is we chose to follow. Throughout much of my Christian life I was taught that we had the choice between good and best. God, I was told, wanted the best for His children and that we shouldn't settle for something good when in fact God wanted the best for us. In fact, I was once taught that it was devilish to settle for something good because God wanted us to have the best. I was also taught that we shouldn't settle for, or be involved in, "good works" but to be involved in "best works." These “best works” of course were what that particular group thought its followers should be doing, which namely was to bring more people into the group. More people that had to take a class or buy a book and they to would have the knowledge that I had.

What ultimately happened to that group is that in their pursuit of the "best" works, they were prevented from doing any GOOD works. In fact, they looked down on other Christians who were engaged in feeding the poor or ministering to the needy of a community as if they were from the pit of hell itself. Included in this haughty self righteousness was the obtaining and hoarding of money in bank accounts and financial institutions under the pseudo-spiritual sounding "if there is no need present, then we keep it until there is a need" doctrine that the group practiced.

Thank God for the clarity of His Word and the patience He has towards those of us who are a little slow on the learning curve and a little thick in the skull.

In fact their actions and words now seem to me as those who Peter warned us of in his first epistle.

I Peter 3:13-17

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

Notice that none of the things mentioned of Peter said of your "best" works or "best" conversation or "best" conscience. In fact we are asked who will harm us if we are followers of that which is good? You see we follow something so why not follow the thing that good is.

Mt:19:16: And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

Mt:19:17: 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.

When called Good Master by one of His followers Jesus Christ reminded them that "there is none Good but one, that is, God." Many Christians realize that it is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance not the "betterness" of God.

Rom:2:4: Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

In fact, the doctrine and practice I was once taught prevented me and countless of others from doing ANY good works because they simply weren't "the best." This of course is contrary to what the Scriptures teach us about ourselves and the Salvation that we have received from God.

Eph:2:10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Wow, that's interesting. God has ordained that we should walk in "good" works. In fact we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus "unto good works" that we should walk in them. To this agree other Scriptures so we need not err concerning the good works we are to walk in. Look at the rest of Ephesians and see the good that we are to do.

Eph:4:28: Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Eph:6:7: With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

Eph:6:8: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Indeed "whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall receive of the Lord." Not whatsoever best thing any man doeth. The following also should be considered in context of the good works we are to do. Those good works ordained of God, that we should walk in.

After all, Jesus Christ Himself did many good works and not once are any of them referred to as "best" works.

Jn:10:32: Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

Acts:10:38: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Yes, Jesus Christ went about doing good. He wasn't prevented from doing His good works, the works the Father had before ordained that He should do, by waiting to see if it was a good work or a best work. He went about doing good. Moreover we are told by none other than our Lord Jesus Christ that we are to let our lights so shine before men that they see something. Guess what that something is?

Mt:5:16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

1Pt:2:12: Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

This being true the following should ring loud and clear in our ears with regard to the subject at hand. In fact this same group taught that the following verse of Scripture was the purpose of Scripture itself!

2Tm:3:17: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Time and again in Scripture we are exhorted to maintain good works. Women also are specifically mentioned in this realm with regard to their receiving relief from the Church when they are widows.

1Tim 5:9-10 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

Dorcas the grand saint from Joppa was raised from the dead. She was well reported of for the good works she had done.

Acts:9:36: Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

37: And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

38: And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

39: Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

40: But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

41: And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

Men and women of God are to do good works. It's really that simple. Wealthy Christians are also singled out to be rich in good works.

17: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18: That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

Moreover a Bishop is required to maintain good works.

Ti:2:7: In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

In fact Jesus Christ died to reconcile to Himself people who are zealous of good works. That means we, His people, are to eagerly seek to do or desire to do good works. How zealous have you been lately?

Ti:2:14: Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works

What good works has God called you to walk in? Is it to feed the homeless? Then get busy feeding the homeless. Is it to give so that others can go and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ? Then do so with joy. Is it to... whatever it is - God wants you to get busy doing it.

Ti:3:8: This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Heb:10:24: And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

May God truly bless you in the good works that He has called you to. We who believe that the time is short have to get busy doing what it is God wants us to do. No more excuses. May this provoke you unto love and good works until we see our Lord "as He is" and may you continue to follow the thing that good is. Amen