Monday, January 30, 2023

Good, Better, Best

Sins of Omission

St Jerome said it well, "Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best."

My honest observation is that most of us are settling for much less than the best that God has for us. 

When we are enlightened regarding the good we ought to do, we revert to the mediocre we are accustomed to. 

We often opt for that which is passable rather than pursuing that which is gloriously possible.  

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17

When we have been led to do right, and we fail to act on that prompting, that is a called a sin of omission. 

What are we commonly omitting? 

1. Is it good, having investigated and accepted the truths of Scripture and the love of God, and having committed oneself to Christ, following Him in believers baptism, to unite with a New Testament Church and serve through that body?

2. Is it good to spend time with God in prayer and devotion, Scripture reading and meditation?

3. Is it good to attend worship services, learning more of Jesus and His Word, and encouraging and being encouraged on a regular basis?

4. Is it good to tell others of Jesus and to send the gospel to the ends of the Earth?

5. Is it good to show kindness to those in need, impoverished, abused and victimized, when we have the wherewithal to bless them?

6. Is it good to keep ourselves in mental, physical, and financial shape so that we can be of benefit to the kingdom of God when called upon?

7. Is it good to stand for truth and oppose evil? 

8. Is it good to live a Spirit-filled life, allowing Him to produce His fruit through us for the betterment of those around us?

9. Is it good to walk in the light Jesus gives us through his Word, following His will with complete obedience?

10. Is it good to spend one's life exhibiting the influences of gospel salt and light, allowing others to witness our good works and therefore glorify our Father which is in heaven?

Friend, it is time to set aside worthless pursuits and prioritize those things which are good and right, better and best.