How is goodness different from being good or being kind?

Goodness is a characteristic we have not something we do. But it's not something we obtain by striving, it's something we can only have through God in us. Is there a point, then, in even trying? In this episode, learn what goodness is, and what it isn't as well as how to apply it to our everyday lives.

Being kind means my response might not be the most desired or the most popular, but it is the best decision, one not based on feeling but on doing what is right. How do we live out and reflect this quality when it may not always be perceived by others as being kind? It all begins and ends with attitude.

Have you ever had a moment when you felt like you couldn't breathe? As if the weight and struggles of a circumstance kept dragging you down, no matter how hard you tried to pull yourself up.

Most of us are more familiar with the lack of peace than the presence of peace in our daily lives. How can we keep peace firmly within us no matter the situation? In this episode, we will explore how addressing the root cause of anxiety helps us produce peace even in the most stressful circumstances. 

I wish we lived in a world where everyone said “please” and “thank you”, where people didn’t shove to get to the front of the line, a place where others always rejoiced at someone else’s success, where hurting someone else to achieve pleasure didn’t exist. You and I both know this isn’t our reality. Earlier in the chapter, you will read a dark list of the works of the flesh, the ways we are naturally inclined to live. The fruit of the spirit set us, as Christians, apart from culture’s tendencies. In many ways, they are counter-cultural, the exact opposite responses expected in our world.

In our lives, there are things capable of sucking the joy right out. Things like bitterness which if left unattended will grow and take over your life. How do we prune those things, and keep our lives in a position to choose joy? When we choose to align our lives with the word of God, the Holy Spirit will work in us to remove, to prune parts of us capable of killing our joy. Sometimes we want to hold on to things God says need to go. We need to recognize he is the master gardener and he knows best.

Living a radiant life for Christ is only possible when we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us in evident ways. If you want to live radiantly for Christ, those around you should experience God’s love both in you and through you. When you recognize God’s love for you, reciprocate with your love, and release love to others you will see evidence of transformation in your life as you reflect His radiance to the world around you.

How can you and I live radiantly if the goals we are setting today, don’t last a quarter of the year?

I believe we can find the answer in one word. Resolve. Resolve means, to decide firmly on a course of action.

As you set your goals for 2024, resolve to “do all for the glory of God” 1 Corinthians 10:31. Pursue Him and pursue growth, when you do this He will give you the strength you need to continue well past April, and the ability to remain steadfast toward His calling and purpose in your life.

Have you ever felt like God is asking you to say yes to something? Sometimes it can be a simple moment, like sharing your story of how God has transformed your life with someone. Other times, it might be something bigger like giving, serving sacrificially, or going on a Missions trip. The amazing thing about God is He often presents us with opportunities multiple times, just waiting for us to say yes. Choosing courage means staying in your heart and out of your head. Learning to trust God’s plan and know He will be with you every second.

Maintaining a connection with God helps us stay committed even when our emotions and circumstances try to take over. By being first committed to Him, the source of infinite power, we can allow His abundance to overflow into every aspect of our lives. With this commitment, we can be dedicated to our relationships, marriage, family, and calling. We can also devote ourselves to acts of generosity, forgiveness, and volunteering, knowing we are supported by His strength and not our own.

Jesus chose you for a purpose, He knew what position He wanted you to play on the team and has every intention of making sure you possess the skills needed to complete the job. Stop stressing about the details. When God calls you, take the one step you can take. He will not only show you the way forward but provide you with what you need along the way. He will bring you to the right places, the right people, the right position at the right time.