So it has been a couple of months since I've posted an update. I've had a number of things this summer that I've wanted to write about, and will probably play catchup in the next couple of months. But today I find myself pondering what it means to be "a good person".
In the Bible, when God says "just love one another!", it seems to be a pretty straight forward command. But we live in a society that seems very confused about what "love" means. As a parent, the best way for me to love my children is to show them (without question) what is right and wrong. And to hold them accountable for their actions. And to expect good behavior, and respect. If we love each other the way a parent loves a child, would we all be better people? I run into a lot of parents who "just want Johnny to be happy". And while happiness is certainly a goal, I think we have to go a little deeper. I want my kids to be full of joy. To know a lasting happiness that comes from God alone. When we fill our lives with surface level happiness, we end up feeling empty. And when we are empty, we have nothing left to pour into anybody else.
I do pray for God to help me be a better person each day. And I think being a good person comes down to how we love. If my friends make a choice that I don't agree with, do I shame them, or do I politely offer a different perspective, try to get them to think differently, etc. Do I ask questions, seeking to understand? And just because I don't agree, does that make me right and them wrong? What is our litmus test for what is right and what is wrong? Just because it's popular or makes us feel good, is it really right?
I think good people are willing to go deeper than the surface. What we see in any given moment is only part of the story. Why does that guy over there always talk so loud? (he's hard of hearing) Why does that person never allow people to see their true selves (they've been hurt too many times). Being willing to go deeper, in all things, helps us to be the best person we can be. To love like God loves.
And that's my two cents for today. Have a great week everybody!
