Good Is Big To God

Good Is Big to God

You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God. Romans 7:4

As a young assistant coach, I was eager for the opportunity to rise to the level of coordinator. Once I did, I discovered there were unanticipated downsides to the job, the most fundamental one being that I couldn’t remain as close to my players as I had previously. When I only coached the defensive backs, I was responsible for only a handful of guys, and Lauren and I got to be close to them. Once I was responsible for twenty-six guys and how they all fit together, everything changed.

What is our harvest to be? Why has God planted us here? When He says “good deeds,” does He mean “good” or “big”?

That’s always the rub. Society dictates success for us by telling us that bigger is better. More is preferable. Image over influence. But everything that seems natural and expected to society is contrary to the way of life God calls us to live.

The Bible recounts how God has tried to reach people and get their attention. In the Old Testament, He spoke through the voices of the prophets and revealed His judgment and compassion to leaders like Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Joshua, Esther, and countless others, instructing them on what lives of faith should look like. Their response? Making golden idols, whining about wanting to go back to Egypt, and cowering in fear because of giants seen in the Promised Land. They let themselves be overcome by the situations around them instead of relying on God in faith. They abandoned the laws God established and believed that ungodly practices would fulfill them.

In the New Testament, God’s incredible love for us is expressed in His Son, Jesus Christ—sent to die for us, to rise from the grave, and to ascend into heaven. Those who believe in Jesus Christ are assured a place with God forever.

And all He asks in return is that we love Him and love each other. Nothing big, really, by society’s standards. No fireworks displays or trophies. Nothing flashy required. Just doing what we can to live like Jesus, finding ways to selflessly imitate Him.

Uncommon Key > You don’t need to think big when you’re trying to do what God wants you to do. Think good. Think love. Then put the two together.