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 One
of the things that makes good men good is their humility. They
know that they are not as good as need to be. Making no claim to
perfection, neither blaming others for their imperfections, they
continually seek to do and to be better. While such good men are
not always right, they ever want to be right— and what one
sincerely wants to be speaks volumes about his character. Let it
be said to the credit of the weak and sin-plagued Corinthians,
they earnestly cared about their condition and sought to clear
themselves (2 Cor. 7:11). Good men are never indifferent to
their spiritual condition— they seek to be “clear” (pure);
they hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matt. 5:6) because
they are truly concerned about their standing with God.
Accordingly,
the good man, having recognized that right is not relative and
that the way of man is not in himself (Jer. 10:23), turns to God
for his direction and standard of right. Good men become godly
men; they come to have that piety which, “characterizes by a
Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him”
(Vine). As the Psalmist puts it, “The steps of a good man are
ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way.” (Ps.
37:23). Life’s journey without God is dark and dangerous.
Knowing this, the good man does not look within himself, but to
God and His word which becomes a lamp unto his feet and a light
unto his path (Ps. 119:105). Thus, we see the strong correlation
existing between good men and truth. Good men want to be right;
truth determines right; therefore they reverence God’s word
which is truth (Jn. 17:11).
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Hence,
it is the honest and good (heart) that will hear the word, hold
it fast and bring forth fruit (Lk. 8:15). Some prove themselves
to be less than good by refusing to hear the word of God. Good
men are not ruled by prejudice. Instead, they are ever willing
to come to the light that their works may be made manifest (Jn.
3:21). Good men are not only willing to prove themselves,
whether they are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5); they likewise
respect God’s admonition to prove ALL things in order that
they may hold fast to that which is good (1 Thss. 5:21).
Hearing
the word is one thing—Jesus says the good man will also “hold
it fast” or “accept it” (Mk. 4:20). In Proverbs this is
called “buying the truth” (Prov. 23:23). Paul showed the
Corinthians how that salvation depends on holding fast the word
(1 Cor. 15:3). Accepting truth means turning away from wrong; it
means change. Good men are willing to make whatever changes are
necessary to put them right with God. Some otherwise good men
allow pride to hinder needful changes. Holding fast to friends
or tradition becomes more important to them than truth. Like
others, they exchange the truth of God for a lie (Rom. 1:25) to
their own eternal detriment.
Consequently
fruits of righteousness are brought forth by such good men as
hear and hold fast God’s truth. Herein is God glorified (Jn.
15:8) and man saved. Being counted as good by men is not good
enough. Unless we’re good like God wants us to be, what have
we profited? Dan S. Shipley
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