Meditating on the Goodness of God

God is good. Such a simple truth, yet it carries layers of meaning.

• God is good, therefore "good" is defined by God. When we say, "How can a good God allow [or cause] such a tragedy?" we are missing the larger picture. Our concept of goodness is limited by our own perspective, which is in some ways merely limited, but in other ways decidedly flawed. God is too wise to make decisions based on anything less than all the facts and all His purposes. The parallel that I often use is that of a parent providing for her two-year-old to be vaccinated. The child only knows the pain of the moment, but the parent comprehends the greater good accomplished. Love, wisdom and knowledge come together to say, "Even though you don't understand, this pain is for your good, and not for yours only; your vaccination is part of the greater process of protecting the population at large from this virus reaching critical mass among the people."

• God is good, as opposed to evil. Though ultimately the definitions of good and evil find their source in the character of God, we have a sense of good and evil whether we comprehend God or not. Probably every religion teaches it is more blessed to give than to receive, and do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Though some societies may differ, humanity in general recognizes murder, stealing, and lying as evil, and generosity, sacrifice, and loyalty as good. When we consider any well-agreed-upon standard of "good," we will find that God meets and exceeds all human standards. Though His actions can be mis-characterized (some describe the cross as cosmic child abuse), rightly comprehended God shows Himself to be loving, just, compassionate, thoughtful, sacrificial, truthful, and every other "good" we might choose to name.

• God is good, as in good to us. In creation God provided for our physical needs, our enjoyment of beauty, our joy of discovery, our ability to improve the conditions of life, etc. He gave us air, food, water, sunsets, music, sex, fire, electricity, eclipses, oil, iron, x-rays, space exploration and dreams! In our lives He shows us our sin and provides forgiveness. He exposes our isolation and grants us fellowship. He tests our limits and equips us for greatness. He probes our hearts' longings and establishes for us purpose and meaning in life. He has given me a wife who has been an instrument of immeasurable good in my life, beside the joy, love and passion she brings. He has given me four children, always a home, always enough food (more than enough, judging from the bathroom scale), books unnumbered, multiple computers and other gadgets, a ministry of historical significance, friends, opportunities--the list could go on forever! God is so good/God is so good/God is so good/He's so good to me!

• God is good at what He does. He knows what needs to be done, when, where, and how. In creation we see His vast wisdom and limitless power. In the story of redemption , we see the same traits, as He works through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Rahab, Ruth, Mary, and Joseph to provide a Savior. He takes a motley crew of apostles and changes the world. He preserves His truth and His church through persecution, corruption, decay and Dark Ages. He doeth all things well.