The word ‘goodness’ is agathos in Greek and it describes that which, a person being good in character or constitution, will be beneficial in its effect on others. Goodness or the act of being good is looked down on in mainstream society. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) yet, goodness is an old-fashioned quality and is now synonymous with being lame. It’s much better to be edgy, popular, exciting, or the center of attention. Goodness is not something that seems to be desired in our society anymore, just look at the most popular TV shows, movies and music of 2022. Goodness is hard to find.

As a father and husband my focus is always on finding the good things to share with my family. I want my kids to be in a good school, I want them to have good relationships with others, I want my wife to be treated with goodness in her job and by others, I want us to have a good doctor, I want my children to act with good hearts and brains and I want to raise them with a good heart and brain. I want them to put good food in their body and I want them to put good content into their minds.

Just because we want and desire goodness doesn’t mean that it just happens. There is a constant struggle to attain that which is good. Just like creating a good habit, attaining goodness is a constant walk of introspection, change, failure, adjustment, and continuing on toward the end goal. Which is being with God in eternity, who is the manifestation of goodness.

So, this week, I encourage us to focus on attaining goodness in our lives. Let’s strive for what is good in our home life, work life, recreation time, and even our drive time. Let’s not be conformed to what society says goodness is and focus on what we, as Christians, know true goodness is.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
- Romans 12:1-2