Are You a Good Person?

 Today, I want to talk pragmatically more than theologically. There is a simple answer to my question: No, you are not a good person. You are either a sinner or a sinner saved by grace, who is redeemed and has goodness as a result of the Holy Spirit working in you. Today I want to talk about actions and behaviors.

This post was prompted by an action this morning. I was walking towards a door, and a young man who seemed to be in a hurry stopped and opened the door for me. It was a kind gesture, and it impressed me. I don't know this young man, but I was struck by his willingness to do a good thing. (If you have a theological issue with that statement, see again the first paragraph). I am not making a judgment to the state of this young man's soul, and good works alone won't get us to heaven, but he did a kind thing, and Jesus commends that. He says that a cup of cold water, a small favor for someone, to a disciple they will receive a reward. 

And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. Matthew 10:42 (ESV)

Back to the pragmatism. We live in a world where kindness is a rare commodity. Even being kind sometimes has consequences. I opened the door one time for a young woman who stopped and looked at me, and stated, "I have a boyfriend". I then walked into the store because I was disgusted at the behavior. Selfishness and narcissism are prevalent in our society, it has become an epidemic. Here are some questions we each need to be asking ourselves.

1. Are we willing to sacrifice a little time and effort to help someone else?

2. Are we doing the right thing, even when there is no reward?

3. Are we willing to help others when it is hard or an inconvenience?

4. Are we doing things only because of what is in it for us?

Little things you can ask yourself. Would you stop if you are in a hurry to open the door for someone? Would you give up your weekend to help someone move or repair their home? Do you put your shopping cart away or just leave it in the parking lot? Do you drive like everyone else should move out of your way because you are the most important person on the road? Do you wait your turn or find ways to skip the line? Do you feel you are entitled to the work, effort, or time of another person? Do you insult people on social media if they don't agree with you? Do you judge others by the way they look? All these things can help us asking the question, "what kind of person am I?"

If you are a follower and believer in Jesus Christ, these are all areas that you should either be kind of becoming kind. There are part of love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self control. You will find joy and faithfulness added when you live them out. If you look around, you will see society is falling apart in many ways, and like my dad told me, you can be part of the problem, or part of the solution. Be like the young man this morning.