“Then the priests went into the inner part of the house of the Lord to cleanse it, and brought out all the debris that they found in the temple of the Lord to the court of the house of the Lord. And the Levites took it out and carried it to the Brook Kidron.” 2 Chron. 29:16

For years the Israelites had forsaken God, but when Hezekiah came to the throne of Judah he wasted no time in cleaning up the temple and reinstating the temple services.  In the first month of the first year of his reign “he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them in the East Square, and said to them: ‘Hear me, Levites! Now sanctify yourselves, sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry out the rubbish from the holy place.’” 2 Chron. 29:4, 5

It took them two weeks to clean out the temple and make it ready for service (2 Chron. 29:17).  Immediately temple services were instituted.  As you read the next chapter you will see that Hezekiah called all Israel and Judah together to keep the Passover – something they had not done in years.

On a personal note,  is there rubbish in our soul temples that need to be taken out and carried “to the Brook Kidron”?

You might bristle to think you might have rubbish in your soul temple.  Let’s see what kind of rubbish we can collect.  For starters Eph. 4:31 gives us a list, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”

“Humble yourselves before God, and make an earnest effort to empty the soul temple of all rubbish—all envyings, all jealousies, all suspicions, all faultfindings. ‘Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up (James 4:8-10).’”  5T 163

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” 1 Cor. 3:16, 17

“After we have done our part to cleanse the soul temple from the defilement of sin, Christ’s blood avails for us, as it did for ancient Israel.” Youth’s Instructor, July 18, 1901.

“No man can of himself cast out the evil throng that have taken possession of the heart. Only Christ can cleanse the soul temple. But He will not force an entrance. He comes not into the heart as to the temple of old; but He says, ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him.’ Revelation 3:20. He will come, not for one day merely; for He says, ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them; . . . and they shall be My people.’ ‘He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.’ 2 Corinthians 6:16; Micah 7:19. His presence will cleanse and sanctify the soul, so that it may be a holy temple unto the Lord, and ‘an habitation of God through the Spirit.’” Ephesians 2:21, 22.  Desire of Ages, p. 161

“The exhortation of the apostle is, ‘Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.’ It is by engaging in this work, and by exercising living faith in God, that we are to perfect Christian character. The work of cleansing the soul-temple and preparing for Christ’s appearing must be done while we are in this world of temptation. Just as Christ finds us in character when he comes, so we shall remain.”  Historical Sketches, p. 134

Dear Father, This morning I open the door of my heart in response to Your knock, asking You to come in and cleanse my soul temple from all defilement—rubbish.

Off and on this year we have discussed in these devotionals following the example of Jesus.  If I were to ask you “Was Jesus courteous?” you would immediately answer, “Yes!”

Let’s explore that a moment.  What does the word courteous mean? According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary:  “Polite; wellbred; . . . civil; obliging; condescending; applied to persons.”  Courtesy: “Elegance or politeness of manners; especially, politeness connected with kindness; civility; complaisance; as, the gentleman shows great courtesy to strangers; he treats his friends with great courtesy.”

We know Jesus was courteous – the most prominent example was how He took care of His mother while He was dying on the cross – giving her to John to be cared for.  So if Jesus was courteous and we are to follow His example, then we, too, must be courteous.  Have you ever thought about the effect of your courtesy, or lack thereof, on fellow individuals in relation to your Christian experience?  It’s basically one of the fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance.  Gentleness means softness of manners, kindness;  forms of courtesy, wouldn’t you say?

Listen to what Sister White had to say about courtesy. “Those who work for Christ are to be pure, upright, and trustworthy, and they are also to be tenderhearted, compassionate, and courteous. There is a charm in the intercourse of those who are truly courteous. Kind words, pleasant looks, a courteous demeanor, are of inestimable value. Uncourteous Christians, by their neglect of others, show that they are not in union with Christ. It is impossible to be in union with Christ and yet be uncourteous.”  {3SM 237.1}

Can we say then, that to be uncourteous we are not a Christian?

The article goes on to say, “What Christ was in His life on this earth, that every Christian should be. He is our example, not only in His spotless purity, but in His patience, gentleness, and winsomeness of disposition. He was as firm as a rock where truth and duty were concerned, but He was invariably kind and courteous. His life was a perfect illustration of true courtesy. He had ever a kind look and a word of comfort for the needy and oppressed.”  {3SM 237.2} 

How do we become more courteous? “The love of Christ mellows the heart and smooths all roughness from the disposition. Let us learn from Him how to combine a high sense of purity and integrity with sunniness of temperament. A kind, courteous Christian is the most powerful argument in favor of the gospel that can be produced.”  {3SM 238.4} 

Let us manifest the grace and courteousness of Christ today.  If you would like to read more of this article on “The Grace of Courtesy,” you can find it in Selected Messages, Book 3, pg. 237-240.

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

1 Peter 2:22-24 gives a list of character traits, steps if you will, Jesus exhibited that we can and should follow, since He is our example.  We have discussed the first one two —“who committed no sin,” and “nor was deceit found in His mouth.”

Let’s consider the remainder of the “steps” as a single unit. “who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.”

As you consider the life of Jesus on this earth, as recorded for us in the New Testament, what part of His life comes to your mind when you read these words in 1 Peter 2?  I think of the closing scenes of Christ’s life—His betrayal, trial, persecution, crucifixion, etc.

In His sermon as recorded in Matthew chapters 5 through 7—also known as the Sermon on the Mount—He tells us how we are to act when reviled.  And certainly as we read these verses, we can see how He was our example during His closing hours before His death.  “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matt. 5:10-12

“When He suffered, He did not threaten, . . .”  Two instances stand out in my mind in the life of Jesus regarding this point.  In the wilderness when Satan came to tempt Him, Jesus was certainly suffering hunger and we don’t know what all he really suffered, but He responded to Satan with “It is written . . .” He knew what was written because He had made the Word of God His study for years leading up to this time.  Thus He could say with confidence, “It is written.”

The second instance would be at His crucifixion when Jesus prayed for those nailing Him to the cross, ”Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34

“The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. We should copy the example of Jesus, for when He was reviled, He reviled not again, but ‘committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.’ Our Redeemer met insult and mockery with uncomplaining silence. All the cruel taunts of the murderous throng who exulted in His humiliation and trial in the judgment hall could not bring from Him one look or word of resentment or impatience. He was the Majesty of heaven, and in His pure breast there dwelt no room for the spirit of retaliation, but only for pity and love.”  Review and Herald, Feb 24, 1891 para. 5

How do we deal with suffering and persecution?  Do we submit to Him without a word of complaint? Do we pray for those who revile us?  Do we commit ourselves to Him who judges righteously?

O my Father, You have given us a tall order to follow in Your footsteps.  But we know we can’t go to Heaven for eternity without following Your example.  Give us the power today to commit no sin, to speak or act no deceit, to revile not, to threaten not, but to submit ourselves to You, because we trust Your judgment.  We thank You that You have borne our sins, that we may die to sin and live for righteousness. In the precious, holy, and worthy name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

“Jesus said to her [Martha], ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.’”  John 11:25

Resurrection means “standing up again, recovery,” according to Strong’s Concordance. The dictionary says, “A rising again.”

We took a walk in the woods in Florida one Sabbath day, two days after a heavy rain, and saw something on the floor of the forest we had not seen before.  We had seen it once before after a heavy rain along a different trail we usually walk daily.  It looked like little green puff balls and some weren’t so little.  But this certain Sabbath day, the little green puffy things were small and abundant.  Four hikers coming our way stopped and chatted with us a bit and in the course of conversation we asked them about these “puffy things” on the ground.  We were told they are lichen with the common name Deer Moss, though they aren’t moss.

Then they pointed up in a tree, above our eye level, showing us some small ferns that grow out of the tree.  We were told that was Resurrection Fern, appropriately named because it comes to life on the tree after a prolific rain.  Had they not pointed that out to us we would have missed it because we weren’t looking up as we walked.  But as we continued our walk we saw lots of the resurrection fern. As you can see by some of the pictures some of the trees were “loaded” with them.

After awhile the ferns then go dormant again until the next major rainfall.

Do we go dormant spiritually, or do we pray for the baptism of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis?

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

1 Peter 2:22-24 gives a list of character traits Jesus exhibited that can follow, since He is our example.  Last time we discussed the first one—“who committed no sin.” The second one on the list is just as

Isaiah 53 is a prophecy of Jesus and verse 9 closes with “nor was any deceit in His mouth.”

Jesus told the Pharisees, “But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.” John 8:45. Jesus also told His disciples, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper [Comforter] will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7

Let’s look at some other texts that show no deceit was found in His mouth—

Num. 23:19 “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will he not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”

1 Sam. 15:29 “And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent. For He is not a man, that He should repent.”

Titus 1:2 “In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began;,”

Heb. 6:17, 18 “Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us:”

The 9^th commandment says we are not to bear false witness.  False witness, in a nutshell, is lying or being deceitful.  Therefore if there is deceit in my mouth I am transgressing the law as it says in 1 John 3:4. 

And Jesus, our perfect example, did not transgress any of God’s laws.  He told us in Matt. 5:48 that we should be perfect even has His Father in heaven is perfect.  We can only live a perfect life, following Jesus’ example, by letting Christ live in us.  We can read that in Gal. 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

My Father, live through me today, that I may be found with no deceit in my mouth.

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

The Spirit of Prophecy, in many places, tells us that Christ is our example in all things. Peter tells us the same thing in 1 Peter 2:21: “For to this you were called [suffering with patience, verse 20], because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:” What kind of steps? Verses 22-24 tell us, “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth, who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.”

Verses 22-24 cover a lot of areas in which Christ left us an example.  The very first character trait Peter listed was “committed no sin.” 

Jesus asked the Pharisees, “Which one of you convicts me of sin?” John 8:46

We have testimony from Judas, after he betrayed Jesus: “I have sinned in by betraying innocent blood.” Matt. 27:4

Pilate’s wife told her husband, “Have nothing to do with that just man.” Matt. 27:19. 

One of the men who was crucified with Jesus testified, “And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Luke 23:41

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he said, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor. 5:21

1 John 3:5: “And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.”

What does it mean to “commit no sin?”  If I were to give a one-word answer I think it would be obedience.  Jesus was obedient to His Father in heaven and He was obedient to his earthly parents.

“In His earth-life, Christ was an example to all the human family, and He was obedient and helpful in the home.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, pg. 417.

“Jesus was misunderstood by His brothers because He was not like them. His standard was not their standard. In looking to men they had turned away from God, and they had not His power in their lives. The forms of religion which they observed could not transform the character. They paid “’tithe of mint and anise and cummin,’ but omitted ‘the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith.’ Matthew 23:23. The example of Jesus was to them a continual irritation. He hated but one thing in the world, and that was sin. He could not witness a wrong act without pain which it was impossible to disguise. Between the formalists, whose sanctity of appearance concealed the love of sin, and a character in which zeal for God’s glory was always paramount, the contrast was unmistakable. Because the life of Jesus condemned evil, He was opposed, both at home and abroad. His unselfishness and integrity were commented on with a sneer. His forbearance and kindness were termed cowardice.  Desire of Ages, pg. 88 

Dear Father, I pray that I may follow the example of Jesus who committed no sin.  Help me to be obedient to You and have a hatred for sin, as Jesus did. I pray this in the holy name of Jesus, Amen.

 

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.

Temperance simply means self control.  Most often this word is used in relation to substance abuse. I remember as a child having a temperance band at school.  Once a week we would have talks on the evils of smoking and drinking.  But temperance involves much more than that:

• Workaholics are intemperate in work
• Overeaters are intemperate in the amount of food eaten
• There are some who are intemperate in their rest – either not enough sleep, or lazy and sleeping too much
• The list could get more detailed and go on and on.

The apostle Paul says in 1 Cor. 9:25 regarding athletes, “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”

“Jesus rebuked intemperance, self-indulgence, and folly; yet he was social in his nature. He accepted invitations to dine with the learned and noble, as well as the poor and afflicted. On these occasions, his conversation was elevating and instructive, holding his hearers entranced. He gave no license to scenes of dissipation and revelry, yet innocent happiness was pleasing to him. A Jewish marriage was a solemn and impressive occasion, the pleasure and joy of which were not displeasing to the Son of Man. This miracle pointed directly toward breaking down the prejudices of the Jews. The disciples of Jesus learned a lesson of sympathy and humanity from it. His relatives were drawn to him with warm affection, and when he left for Capernaum, they accompanied him.” Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 2, pg. 109      

2 Peter 1:5-7 has been described as Peter’s ladder of sanctification / Christian perfection.  Verse 6 says we are to “add to knowledge temperance [self-control],” etc.  What is the end result of climbing each round of the ladder—faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance [self-control], perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love?  Peter answers that in verses 10 and 11.

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

The Spirit of Prophecy, in many places, tells us that Christ is our example in all things. Peter tells us the same thing in 1 Peter 2:21: “For to this you were called [suffering with patience, verse 20], because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:” In following devotionals we will examine various way in which we should follow in His footsteps.

My dear Father, I pray today that with Your help I would be temperate in all things.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.

Meekness does not mean mousy and timid.  There is a strength in meekness.  Strong’s Concordance defines meekness in this verse as “gentleness.”

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines meekness as, “Softness of temper; mildness; gentleness; forbearance under injuries and provocations. . . . humility; resignation; submission to the divine will, without murmuring or peevishness; opposed to pride, arrogance and refractoriness.”

Jesus is our example in “forbearance under injuries and provocations”—

Isaiah prophesied in Isa. 53:7 he opened not his mouth – Matt. 27:12-14 records the fulfillment of that prophecy when He stood before the tribunal.

Jesus certainly is our example in “submission to the divine will”—

• “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” John 5:30.
• “He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” John 8:29.
• “Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” Gal. 1:4

Just as Jesus did the will of His Father, so are we to do the Father’s will. Only those who do the will of the Father in Heaven will enter the kingdom. See Matt. 7:21

How important is meekness? Let’s see what other scriptures have to say—

• “Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility [meekness]. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zeph. 2:3
• “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;” Col. 3:12
• “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness [meekness].” 1 Tim 6:11
• “To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility [meekness] to all men.” Titus 3:2

“Meekness is a precious grace, willing to suffer silently, willing to endure trials. Meekness is patient and labors to be happy under all circumstances. Meekness is always thankful and makes its own songs of happiness, making melody in the heart of God. Meekness will suffer disappointment and wrong and will not retaliate.”  Testimonies, Vol. 3, pg. 335

“Through conflict the spiritual life is strengthened. Trials well borne will develop steadfastness of character and precious spiritual graces. The perfect fruit of faith, meekness, and love often matures best amid storm clouds and darkness.”  Christ’s Object Lessons, pg. 61 

My Father, My prayer is that of the Psalmist “I delight to do Your will.” I also pray for the precious grace of meekness today.  Give me strength through the storm. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.

What is faith? Again we go to the dictionary to get a definition.  “Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity, without other evidence; the judgment that what another states or testifies is the truth.

Certainly Jesus exhibited that kind of faith when He said “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34. David said in Psalm 40:8, “I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart.”

Again Jesus said, “For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak, And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” John 12:49-50.

You recall the story of the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years.  She determined that if she could just touch the hem of Jesus’ garment she would be well.  When she did that and was healed, Jesus said to her, “Be of good cheer, daughter, your faith has made you well.” Matt. 9:22

I recall a time years ago when I was experiencing some anxiety and I prayed for the faith of this dear woman who only wanted to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment.  I continued in prayer for quite awhile continuing to tell the Lord I was reaching out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment for healing.  I was persistent in my prayer until I felt a calmness come over me – healing in answer to my prayer of faith.

Matthew 9:27-30 records another story of faith. Two blind men came to Jesus asking to be healed. Jesus asked if they believed (had faith) He was able to do it. They gave an immediate affirmative.  Verse 29 says, “Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.’”  The next verse goes on to say their eyes were opened.

Then there was the centurion whose beloved servant was sick unto death.  He had heard of Jesus and sent elders of the Jews to Jesus pleading for Him to come heal his servant. The Jews begged Jesus earnestly telling Him how much the centurion loves the Jewish nation and how he had financed the building of a synagogue.  Not far from the centurion’s house, he sent friends out to meet Jesus telling Him not to trouble Himself with coming to his house because he was not worthy for Jesus to enter his abode. He described how he was also a man of authority and when he commanded, it was done.  He had faith in the authority of Jesus.  Jesus’ response to this humble centurion was, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.” Luke 7:9.  You can read the entire story in verses 1 through 10.

Luke 17:11-19 tells the story of the ten lepers who asked Jesus to heal them.  As you recall, only one, a Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus. Jesus said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”

“We must cherish and cultivate the faith of which prophets and apostles have testified—the faith that lays hold on the promises of God and waits for deliverance in His appointed time and way. “ Prophets and Kings, pg. 387

My Father and My God, May I exercise the faith of Jesus today, believing His Word and relying on His promises.  In Jesus’ precious and holy name, Amen.

 

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.

“True goodness is accounted of Heaven as true greatness. The condition of the moral affections determines the worth of the man. A person may have property and intellect, and yet be valueless, because the glowing fire of goodness has never burned upon the altar of his heart.”  Testimonies, Vol.  2, pg. 305

What is goodness? Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines it as “the moral qualities which constitute Christian excellence; moral virtue; religion.” Then Gal. 5:22 is quoted.  The dictionary’s second and third definitions of goodness also define Jesus, “Kindness; benevolence; benignity of heart; but more generally, acts of kindness; charity; humanity exercised. Kindness; benevolence of nature; mercy.” Then Exod. 34:6 is quoted: “And the Lord passed by before him (Moses), and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.”

The Psalmist recognized the goodness of God: “Oh, that men would give thank to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalm 107:8

Paul exhorts about the necessity of the goodness of God: “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” Rom 2:4

“Goodness is the result of divine power transforming human nature. By believing in Christ, the fallen race he has redeemed may obtain that faith which works by love and purifies the soul from all defilement. Then Christlike attributes appear: for by beholding Christ men become changed into the same image from glory to glory, from character to character. Good fruit is produced. The character is fashioned after the divine similitude, and integrity, uprightness, and true benevolence are manifested toward the sinful race.”  My Life Today, pg. 54 

Jesus taught about goodness in the Sermon on the Mount: “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Matt. 5:44  Goodness is expressed in other forms also throughout the three chapters in Matthew (5-7) that records the “Sermon on the Mount” and we’ll look at just a small sample of them.

• Salt is good for seasoning and we are to be salt (Matt. 5:13)
• We are to the light of the world and to let our light shine (Matt. 5:14-16)
• Turn the other cheek rather than smiting back (Matt. 5:38, 39)
• Forgiveness (Matt. 6:14, 15)

Let us look again at the statement we read above from My Life Today:  “Goodness is the result of divine power transforming human nature.” Go back and reread the entire paragraph.  That is what the entire sermon of Jesus is portraying.

My Life Today goes on to say: “There is no limit to the good you may do. If you make the Word of God the rule of your life, and govern your actions by its precepts, making all your purposes and exertions in the fulfilling of your duty a blessing and not a curse to others, success will crown your efforts. You have placed yourself in connection with God; you have become a channel of light to others. You are honored by becoming co-laborers with Jesus; and no higher honor can you receive than the blessed benediction from the lips of the Saviour: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”  Ibid.   

I found several statements in the Spirit of Prophecy that talk about living and talking the goodness of God.  Let’s look at a few of them:

“The Christian is to publish the good news of salvation, and he is never to weary of the recital of God’s goodness.” {RH, February 12, 1895 par. 8}

“Suppose we give to the world a living example of the beauty there is in religion and Jesus Christ by the offerings we present to God, talking of His goodness, and telling of His power.”  {RC 285.2} 

“Talk faith, pure, sacred, holy faith. Bear no discouraging testimony, for this pleases the enemy. Talk of the goodness of God. Have we not enough at every step to praise him for?”  {UL 329.4} 

”Keep your eyes fixed on Christ. Study His life—a life filled with goodness, grace, and truth. Follow His example. Ask yourself, Am I, in purpose and character, like Christ. The contemplation of the Saviour will attract you more and more strongly to Him. It is the beholding of the love of Jesus that gives light and life to the soul. Study the excellence of the character of Christ. Remember that to Him has been given all power. This power is for you, if you will have it. As you become a humble, faithful witness for Christ, you will be able to say, ‘Thy gentleness hath made me great.’—Letter 257, 1903, pp. 8, 9. (To J. H. Kellogg, November 26, 1903.)”  {7MR 151.5} 

Dear Lord, Help me to practice the goodness of Jesus today, that I may reflect His character and be like Him. In His holy name I pray, Amen.