The Question of Good (#322 of 365+)

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away” (Isaiah 64:6)


Most people would consider Dave Ramsey to be a good guy. He’s a famous radio talk show host, financial counselor, and a professed Christian. He’s often asked by his callers, “Hey! How are you, Dave?” He always answers with his humble southern drawl, “I’m doing better than I deserve.” You see, Dave has lots of money but he also knows there’s nothing inherently good about him. He knows he didn’t deserve to be rich and successful, and no one ever owed him a free ride. He understands that anything he has received up to this point in his life was due to hard work or the grace of God—or a mixture of both. Every day on his talk show he’ll announce that “The key to financial peace is to know the Prince of Peace, Christ Jesus.”

When people get to the point when they’re serious about becoming debt-free—like my husband and I—one of the first things they have to do is accept their insignificance. They have to know they don’t “deserve” anything, no one “owes” them anything, and God already owns everything! By not allowing themselves to spend money frivolously they’re actually submitting to a type of fasting. It’s difficult to do but it’s so humbling and well worth it.

Difficult circumstances—whether you choose them or not—have a way of changing your point of view. You’ll begin to see what’s really important and adjust your priorities accordingly. You’ll remember that you’re eventually going to die. You’ll think more about the Lord, your loved ones, and eternity. You won’t be as focused on acquiring the most toys anymore.

Lord, I thank you for giving me significance. Make my life be about more than just having the most toys, the most friends, or the most fans. May it be all about you. Be the greatest “good” in me and draw the lost to your love and light. Amen.