Reasonably Good

Have you ever asked a friend for their opinion about a new restaurant in town or a movie in theaters, only to hear them say, “It’s reasonably good”? Depending on who your friends are, you may think they are being too modest or too critical. Sometimes, you are even surprised when their recommendation perfectly matches what you consider good. 

That is because the word good is often shaped by personal standards, perceptions, and worldviews, all of which can vary greatly from person to person. However, there are certain situations where “reasonably good” should never apply. The normalization of violence, the killing of innocents, or the sexualization of children should never be considered acceptable. These things are not good at all. Yet culture is often used to redefine or justify what is considered appropriate for different groups of people.

In contrast, there is a goodness that is not determined by human opinion and cannot be manipulated by cultural standards: the goodness of God. First, His goodness is inseparable from His righteousness, meaning that everything He does is just (Psalm 25:8). Second, His goodness flows from His holiness; therefore, it is perfect (1 Peter 1:16). Third, His goodness is expressed through His love, leading men and women to repentance and eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 2:4).

When God reveals His will through His Word, He establishes what is perfectly good in a world that is not. To “taste and see that the Lord is good” means trusting and fearing Him, seeking Him continually, turning away from evil, pursuing peace, and, above all, abiding in Christ. Doing what is truly good — what is just, perfect, and loving — is only possible when we are connected to the Source. This is not goodness according to cultural standards; it is goodness according to the standard of Christ.

So the next time you ask a friend for their opinion, remember that they are simply doing their best to describe their experience — and that is okay. But if you want to discover what is truly good, go to the Source of goodness Himself. He will reveal it to you without bias.

                        Psalm 34:8  "O taste and see that the Lord is good..."