The Paradox of What is Good

Good, according to Merriam Webster means “of favorable character or tendency.” Usually when everything is going “well” people say, “I had a good day.” Or when a kid brings home an A+, as a parent, we consider that a “good” grade.

It is funny the things we “believe” and “say” are good. We measure “good” based on a deed or action. But, that is not what God says. God has a twist on everything we believe and think.

Isaiah 55:8 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. And the Word reiterates our views are not like God’s as Paul reminds us in Romans that all have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one (Romans 3:12).

God NEVER told us “we were good” yet we see throughout the Bible how often God is good. Here are a few scriptures: Psalm 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. “The Lord is good to all,” is seen in Psalm 145:9, and “Surely, God is good,” is seen in Psalm 73:1.

Yet, Jesus is so humble and so obedient He points us to God as being good, not Himself. In Mark 10:18 we read, “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.”

But, Jesus was betrayed by his friend, tried, convicted, wore a crown of thorns, was beaten, spat on, whipped, while weak carried a 165-lb cross for 2,000 feet, was nailed to a cross and pierced in his side… on the day that the most painful physical experiences that could happen to one person, we call that day Good Friday.

The cross represents despair, destruction, and defeat. And the irony is that we would consider all that happened to Jesus that day as “bad”. But again, in all the pain Jesus experienced, there was purpose. In all the rejection and ridicule there was royalty. Jesus sacrificed himself to the obedience of death.

It is “good” to see we could never do what Jesus did on the cross; it is “good” to see how much we need Jesus; and it is “good” to see how much we need Him through the cross.

It too is good, to know how much Jesus truly loves us, so much so that it cost Him His life. The GOOD news about the cross was that it was a tool to get Jesus to the other side: to our salvation, redemption, and victory.

God turned the tables against man and took the cross and made it a symbol of hope, promise, and the fulfillment of the Word. There is no paradox in what God did with the cross, and it was good.

Photo by James L.W

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail
Kuan-Yin T Timothee, MBA, JD

Kuan-Yin T Timothee, MBA, JD

Chispa Magazine writer, Kuan-Yin T Timothee, MBA, JD is a descendant of Asian and Latin roots, an Army Vet, who decided her life was not over while married and raising four children pursued and obtained her bachelors, masters, and law degrees. While she always was a woman’s champion and loved the Lord since 18, her experiences with the Lord strengthened her resolve to help women live on, and in their purpose. Divorced and now happily married to her grade-school sweetheart, she is more certain than ever that the journey with Christ was never meant to be a “perfect life” but always an intentional one. She loves the study of The Word and desires to seek the Lord and fulfill her purpose with passion and power. As a friend, wife, mother and grandmother, she thrives to help women, the world sees as "victims" or "battered" as women that can survive. Having led young ladies’ ministries, Kuan-Yin looks to effectuate the change that many are afraid to take, yet necessary in order to reach the next level. She is firm believer in pushing women to be their all, know who God is, and what He wants to do in their lives.
Kuan-Yin T Timothee, MBA, JD

Latest posts by Kuan-Yin T Timothee, MBA, JD (see all)

Kuan-Yin T Timothee, MBA, JD

Chispa Magazine writer, Kuan-Yin T Timothee, MBA, JD is a descendant of Asian and Latin roots, an Army Vet, who decided her life was not over while married and raising four children pursued and obtained her bachelors, masters, and law degrees. While she always was a woman’s champion and loved the Lord since 18, her experiences with the Lord strengthened her resolve to help women live on, and in their purpose. Divorced and now happily married to her grade-school sweetheart, she is more certain than ever that the journey with Christ was never meant to be a “perfect life” but always an intentional one. She loves the study of The Word and desires to seek the Lord and fulfill her purpose with passion and power. As a friend, wife, mother and grandmother, she thrives to help women, the world sees as "victims" or "battered" as women that can survive. Having led young ladies’ ministries, Kuan-Yin looks to effectuate the change that many are afraid to take, yet necessary in order to reach the next level. She is firm believer in pushing women to be their all, know who God is, and what He wants to do in their lives.