Where Have All the Good Men Gone?
When I was 18 years old, I began driving almost an hour each way to attend college. My grandmother was concerned about the distance (aging myself here, but it was before cell phones!) and the possibility of breaking down beside the road. In her concern, she advised me, if you have car trouble and someone stops to help, just tell them “My very large husband is in the woods using the bathroom and will be right back.” She thought that would be scare off any “bad Samaritans” with evil intentions.
It struck me as ironic. If I ran off any would-be helpers, where was I going to get help?!
Sadly, the world has not improved since those days. I often look at other people suspiciously if I am in a vulnerable position. You have to- there are so few good people any more. Or at least it seems!
God is the Master Creator. What He makes is perfect and good. When He spoke the world into existence, piece by piece, He declared, “It is good.” But when He made man, it was a different story:
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning — the sixth day.” Gen 1:31 (NIV)
When God made man, he declared him “Very good.”
That was our glorious start! Mankind was created in the image of God. He breathed His own breath into Adam’s nostrils. He created a perfect environment for him and gave him a job to do. But it would not last…
Sadly, by David’s day, he observed:
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Ps 14:1-3: (emphasis mine, NIV)
All the gospels declare that Jesus “went about doing good.” He is our Great Example! Additionally, goodness is a fruit of the Spirit- and should be the earmark of a Christian!
How far we have fallen in matters of goodness! Perhaps we will not all be evangelists, missionaries or teachers. But can we not be good to each other?
In the middle of your hurry, scurry life, don’t forget to spread a little bit of Jesus. Be good to someone! Open a door. Pick up the check. Offer a smile or an encouraging word. There’s enough bad. Let’s start a revolution of good!
Dear Lord, help us as Christians to return to the basics of what you created us to be. Show us where we have become corrupt. Help us to shine forth pure, unadulterated light. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Wonderful Word today Sherri! I too have wondered where all of the good Samaritans have gone? Help us Lord to fulfill the goodness you placed in us. ?
Bless you, Laurie! I think the busyness of life squelches a lot of our good acts. Working on simplifying. It’s a chore, lol. Praying for you!