Is ‘sucking up’ really the only reason followers of Jesus of Nazareth (who many people believe is the Son of God) try to be good? I’m sure there are lots of people out there who believe that. And, sadly, I’m sure there are Jesus followers who do, in fact, live with this sentiment in mind.
I’m not one of them. And neither are most other people who know the truth of their faith. That’s why this graphic, found on an internet atheism community, so hugely misses the point — and that’s disappointing because the author is a shining star in the atheism world and probably knows the Bible inside and out. All that said….
I try to be good because I want to be the person God knows I can be. In fact, when I decided to follow Jesus (at age 42), I welcomed God’s holy spirit into my heart and mind to help me be a better person – because I simply couldn’t do it on my own.
I try to be good because, in one of the original source biographies of Jesus’ physical time on earth, He tells His followers “Anything you did for one of the least important of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”.
I try to be good because, in a letter written by one of Jesus’s brothers, we’re told “Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?” In other words, I wouldn’t be much of a Jesus follower if my faith didn’t result in me at least attempting to do good.
I try to be good because one of Jesus’s earliest followers puts it this plain and simple: “God’s people should be bighearted and courteous”.
Finally, I try to be good because I believe Jesus was crucified to make up for the bad things I’ve done and the good things I’ve failed to do. Given His incredible sacrifice to wipe my slate clean with God, the least I can do to show my gratitude is try my best to get my act together.
Anyone who knows me also knows that I often fall short of being “good”. (Just ask my very patient wife.) But that’s why I follow Jesus. That’s why I attend church regularly, so God can use the pastor and other Jesus followers to encourage me and instruct me on being good.
What do you think of this? Post your thoughts below and let’s have a conversation.
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