Although the Bible speaks much about the things people do there are very few words of praise such as this–“he was a good man“. This describes what he was as well as what he did, and God commends him for it. I wish everyone truly understood what a glorious honor this was to Barnabas.
Goodness is better than greatness. Many people are “great”, but not good. They are, due to their appearance, abilities, or accomplishments, admired and praised by others, yet they are not truly good. Their reputation causes them to be recognized by others and their fame puts them in the spotlight, but their character is lacking.
With his health failing, Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott summoned his son-in-law to his bedside. “I may only have a few minutes with you,” he said, “so be a good man. Be virtuous, be religious, be a good man. Nothing else will give you any comfort when you come to lie here.”. That is wise advice!J. R. Miller wrote:“Goodness means excellence of character. The name God is simply a contraction of the word good. Goodness is Godlikeness. A good man is patient, gentle, kindly, humble. All the Beatitudes live in him and work out their beauty in him. He is full of gentle ministries. Jesus Himself went about doing good.
Whatever else we may be or may not be in this world, we should all try to be good in our character. Thus we shall please God and bless the world.
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