Not Good
Today’s Verse:
But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. ~Acts 15:38
In every language, we have words that we use to describe things that are good or not good. If we say, “That’s good” or, “That’s not good,” we are describing something that we believe is favorable or unfavorable. Several times in the Bible, God calls our attention to things that are not good.
We see that detachment is not good.
“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18). This verse speaks about God’s design for companionship and His cure for loneliness. While I realize that there are some people who have the gift for being single, most people desire marital companionship. God did not want Adam being consumed with all his responsibilities as a single man. He wanted him to seek fulfillment through a biblical marriage and a loving companion in Eve. For every married person, invest in your marriage so that you see your spouse as someone you could not live without.
We see that distrust is not good.
“And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good” (Exodus 18:17). Jethro gave Moses a very important lesson on delegating responsibility and duties. Moses was doing the judging of the entire nation by himself. Jethro told Moses that he and the people would both wear away. Moses had to go from distrust to trust. Our trust in people is measured by our ability to empower them to do their job effectively and by their trustworthiness in character and execution. Trust must be earned, but we must give them the opportunity to prove that they can be trusted. Train and trust others to exceed your expectations.
We see that dishonesty is not good.
“Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good” (Proverbs 20:23). Scales were used to determine the authenticity of metal coins. Both the merchant and the buyer had to be careful of each other when it they made their transaction. Dishonesty is cheating and taking advantage of another person. God calls dishonesty an abomination. This is something He abhors and considers detestable. We are to provide things honest in the sight of all men. Be above board and honest in all things.
We see that discrimination is not good.
“To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress” (Proverbs 28:21). Favoritism and partiality create strife, discord, and distrust. Be careful of being partial to a certain group of friends or people in the church to the point that others are intentionally left out. The royal law is that we love all men, even as the Lord loves us. Work at being a blessing and friend to everyone. Avoid being cliquish or always hanging out with the same people.
We see that disloyalty is not good.
“But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work” (Acts 15:38). John Mark left Paul and Barnabas and went back home. He decided that the ministry, or at least accompanying Paul and Barnabas, was not what he wanted to do. He left abruptly. His departure was grievous to Paul. Years later, Paul felt that John Mark’s tendency was to quit and retreat. He thought it not good to take him with them. A good team member must stay with the team regardless of the hardships. Thankfully, John Mark matured years later and was profitable to the ministry, but there was a time when he was marked as disloyal. There are things that God indicates as not good. Focus on that which is good to the glory of God and for your personal blessing.
Have a blessed God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Exodus 19-21