The True Source of Goodness
"There is no one who does good, not even one." – Romans 3:12
In many places, especially in the South, you’ll find people striving hard to look and act like Christians. They might follow the rules, attend church, and even speak the right language. But there’s a crucial element missing for many: Christ Himself. Without Him, all outward appearances and actions fall short.
Goodness isn’t something we can manufacture on our own. It’s a gift that only God can give. As Romans 3:12 puts it, “There is no one who does good, not even one.” People are not inherently good; we are inherently flawed. This is why we need the Lord’s transformative power in our lives.
To see this, look no further than the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10. When he approached Jesus and asked, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responded, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” Jesus was making a profound point: true goodness is not a human trait but a divine attribute.
The Bible is clear about where goodness comes from:
God’s WORK is good (Romans 8:28): “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God.”
God’s WORD is good (Psalm 119:39): “Indeed, your judgments are good.”
God’s WAYS are good (James 1:17): “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
God’s WILL is good (Romans 12:2): “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
Without God, there is no true goodness. We might be able to do good things or make good decisions, but unless we are connected to God and filled with His Spirit, our goodness will be superficial. True goodness flows from a relationship with God.
Are you trying to be good in your own strength, or are you relying on God to produce His goodness in you? Seek Him, surrender your life to Him, and let His Spirit transform you from the inside out. Only then will you experience the true essence of goodness that comes from God alone.
In many places, especially in the South, you’ll find people striving hard to look and act like Christians. They might follow the rules, attend church, and even speak the right language. But there’s a crucial element missing for many: Christ Himself. Without Him, all outward appearances and actions fall short.
Goodness isn’t something we can manufacture on our own. It’s a gift that only God can give. As Romans 3:12 puts it, “There is no one who does good, not even one.” People are not inherently good; we are inherently flawed. This is why we need the Lord’s transformative power in our lives.
To see this, look no further than the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10. When he approached Jesus and asked, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responded, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” Jesus was making a profound point: true goodness is not a human trait but a divine attribute.
The Bible is clear about where goodness comes from:
God’s WORK is good (Romans 8:28): “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God.”
God’s WORD is good (Psalm 119:39): “Indeed, your judgments are good.”
God’s WAYS are good (James 1:17): “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
God’s WILL is good (Romans 12:2): “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
Without God, there is no true goodness. We might be able to do good things or make good decisions, but unless we are connected to God and filled with His Spirit, our goodness will be superficial. True goodness flows from a relationship with God.
Are you trying to be good in your own strength, or are you relying on God to produce His goodness in you? Seek Him, surrender your life to Him, and let His Spirit transform you from the inside out. Only then will you experience the true essence of goodness that comes from God alone.
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