Day 4: Goodness and Faithfulness

Ready:

“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!” – Psalm 34:8 NLT

Set: 

Goodness

When something’s really good, we can’t help but excited over it. Maybe it’s news that we made it to the playoffs or a new training routine that’s giving us more energy to perform at a higher level. Whatever it is, we want to share our excitement and tell others about it. Goodness is a deeper quality that causes greater excitement at the heart level. It’s contagious, it’s full of light, and is a difference that’s noticeable to the average eye.

Goodness is a promise, an assurance that starts with the character of God. If God Himself is good, as His children we, too, have the ability to nurture the fruit of goodness in our daily lives. What does this look like lived out? It’s saying no to a party where you know there will be unhealthy influences. It’s staying after practice to help pick up equipment or help a teammate with his or her crossover. Goodness saturates our being when we are transformed into the image of God, living a life worthy of Christ.

Faithfulness

Faithfulness is a command the Bible teaches us to take seriously, to hold close and cling to, to tie around our hearts and cling to. Why? Because faithfulness leads to loyalty, which is a trait that sets the believer apart from the world. We’re all used to being let down by someone at one point or another, and it can color our perspective on relationships. But Jesus has remained faithful to our own wandering hearts, to the point of giving His life for us to draw close. Even when we wander, Christ stays. This is a lasting commitment we can’t find anywhere else, though we do our best to model it through our relationships on earth.

People will remember how we treat them, how we connect, and remain faithful. Our team looks to our commitment. When you are tempted to talk poorly about a hard coach or captain, why not hold your tongue and, instead, respect team leadership? Or if you’re on the side of a losing season, stick it out to play your best for the remainder of games, for the sake of the player beside you. Things won’t go unnoticed. Loyalty leads to lasting impact.

Go:

1. How is goodness as a fruit of the Spirit different than being a “good” person or doing “good” things?

2. Why do you think the Lord asks us to be faithful?

3. How can you be faithful to God in your goodness today? 

Workout:

Exodus 33:19; Psalm 23:6; Proverbs 3:3

Overtime:

“Oh Father, You are so good. Your love and mercy run deep, and You are always faithful to us, even when we stray from You. Fill my life with more of Your grace, so I might overflow with a deep goodness to share with my family, my community, and my team. Help me to look for ways to live out my faith. Amen.”