Is God Good?

Genesis 3

The evil one has several tried and tested means of encouraging a believer to veer from the path of God’s will. The first one brought to our attention is that he invites us to doubt the goodness of God. He implies that by setting limits God is in reality keeping us from something profitable, pleasurable, or mind-expanding. Satan told Eve that God was lying to her to keep her from a wisdom that would make her like God, himself.

This subtle indictment regarding God is present today as well. In our country we value independence and our right to make our own choices. In our pride of individuality we assume that there are no limits, rules, or guidelines that are applicable to all. So, when Scripture lays down its commandments we often tell ourselves that they may be right for some people but we are different and these rules do not apply to us. We hold on to the privilege to determine for ourselves what works for us. Many see God as an entity (if he exists at all ) who is trying to curb their potential, stomp on their fun, and force them into a mold that is stifling. He is a spoiler. This is exactly what the serpent told Eve. God is keeping something good from you therefore he cannot be good himself. And like he did with Eve, he encourages us to take matters into our own hands. Go ahead! Take what you want. You know better than God.

The answer to the question “Is God good?” lies in the way in which God responded to this rebellion. Yes, there were consequences as a result of this prideful grasp of power. God reigned things in, designed things with a little less freedom and ease, constructed ways that would keep humans close to him for our ultimate good. But the key to me is that while Adam and Eve attempted to clothe their nakedness with fragile fig leaves, God gave them a more durable covering. Even in their rebellion he cared for them. AND, he remained in communication with them. He designed a way for their restoration.

In today’s world choices made contrary to the commands and will of God have dire consequences. It has never been God’s desire to limit our potential, only to direct it toward love and goodness for his glory. When we “color outside the lines” we often end up creating confusion, unrest, disruption, or chaos for ourselves and others. We are seldom better off. And never for long the long haul. Are we better off because we kill, commit sexual sins, lie and cheat, envy, and covet the abundance of things? Are we better off with our idols than with a living, compassionate, and holy God? Coloring within God’s lines leaves plenty of room for choice and creativity, but it hems us in with guidelines that protect us from evil. These lines keep us from expending our energies in unfulfilling ways.

The goodness of God is shown very clearly when we ignore the lines and color outside them. He comes after us. He is the shepherd who seeks the sheep. He is the Father that looks down the road and runs to meet the prodigal son. He is the Son who weeps over Jerusalem’s refusal to be gathered in. He covers our nakedness with forgiveness and gives abundant new life. He comes to live with us in our humanity. He teaches us and guides us in the way we are to go. He never gives up on us even when we give up on ourselves. He even died to save us! Oh Yes! God is good!