Can we be too good?

“Why do you call Me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God.”  Matthew 19: 17 [NKJV]
Does anyone ever question you about being too good? I’ve noticed some people steer away from anyone whose good behavior is a level higher than theirs. 

Let me explain.  When I started junior high I had the opportunity to get to know a lot of new kids in my life.  It was a new school to me and in a new area.  I only knew a handful of kids.

One of my new friends wanted me to help her play a prank on someone.  I didn’t want to. I love playing a trick on others but I thought what she wanted to do was mean spirited.  She only saw it as a joke.  She called me too good and our friendship ended after that.  But that’s who I was.  I saw black as black and white as white.  I still am not good at accepting gray areas; not that I’m perfect.  I have a lot of faults. I’m fortunate to have a husband and kids who often remind me of my shortcomings, in love of course.

Only God is truly good. He alone is holy and without sin. In Matthew chapter 19 this man called Jesus, “Good Teacher.”  Jesus accepted the title because above all He was and is good.  He is God.  He is God’s Son.

But I’ve discovered that we also can be good although not on our own.  When we as God’s children listen to God and do what His Word, the Bible says, God grows goodness in us. “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control;” Galatians 5: 22 [NKJV]

We can never be too good to please God.  But we need to be careful that we don’t have a self righteous attitude or arrogant attitude where we think we are better than others. I think that’s what comes through sometimes and drives people away from us and the God we say we serve. Real goodness makes us merciful and caring and a true friend.  And I want to add, a fun friend because when we’re pleasing God we’re free from guilt and free to really enjoy life.