Fruit for the Holidays - Goodness

Have you heard of the “elf on the shelf”? It’s a little doll that you put on your mantle. The idea is to tell your kids that it sees everything and reports back to “Santa”. It’s a way to encourage kids to be “good” before the holidays. If they aren’t… NO TOYS!

Personally, I am grateful that this wasn’t a trend when I was a child. It would make me feel guilty ALL THE TIME. We are human and being “good” in our own strength is a losing battle. If I had an elf following me around with its shifty eyes when I was a kid, it would have freaked me out. Even kids know they can’t be good all the time. It’s like when I slam on my brake after seeing a police car whether I am speeding or not. I just feel guilty.

I wonder if we can sometimes look at God’s role like an “elf on the shelf” or the police on the side of the road. A God that is watching us, just waiting for us to mess up...again. If so, perhaps we are trying to be good for the wrong reasons.

I don’t think trying to avoid feeling guilty is the best motivator for righteousness; however, acknowledging our sin can point us back to God and can help get us back on track.

In humility, we can start to see just how good the Lord is to us. We will never be perfect in this life but we are still loved and He is still good. His goodness is a much better role model than an elf, don't you think? When we see the goodness of God, how can we not want to share His goodness with others through the Holy Spirit?

Are you more eager to do good or eager to avoid bad?

In what ways have you experienced the goodness of God recently?

Scripture:

“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” Psalm 145:9

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” 1 Peter 3:13

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” Psalm 34:8