What Makes a Good Person?Sample

A high standard

“All Scripture is breathed out by God […] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

For most people, it is only natural to make an effort to be pleasant company for others. We also think it is logical that you want to be a good example for your children, friends, or colleagues and therefore pay more attention to your use of language. But how far do you go in your efforts to be a good person? When is it good enough?

The Lord God sets the bar very high. He gave us the Bible to teach and “train us in righteousness." His goal is for us to become thoroughly equipped for every good work. That sounds rather demanding! Can't God be satisfied if we just try our best and do reasonably well compared to other people?

No, He can't. For He, Himself, is perfect and holy. He cannot tolerate injustice and sin because that goes right against His character. He is satisfied only with the best, with perfection.

God gives us everything we need to be “complete, equipped for every good work.” Yet no human being here on earth achieves perfection. Again and again, we must ask God for forgiveness because we repeatedly go wrong. We may grow in holiness, but only after our physical death will we stand “holy and without blemish” before God (see Ephesians 5:27).

How do you feel about God's high standards? How do you deal with them?