A Good Man

S –    Acts 11:24

 

‘He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.’

 

O -    This verse is a great description and record for the life of Barnabas. To be described as ‘good’ seems inadequate in language as to honour and emphasise the character of this man. Our modern day description of a good person probably means they don’t behave in an unacceptable manner. Barnabas’ goodness came from within his transformed and connected spirit with God. He was full of the Holy Spirit. What a pondering and awesome statement concerning someone. It’s a statement that is more than just a cliché, religious or doctrinal. This is why and how his goodness was apparent to all. It was a manifestation of what had been cultured within him. He truly represented and reflected that which had been DNA’d into his being. He was a genuine reflection of the Kingdom of God.  He was full of faith as a result; this is also an incredible reflection. This must have been outworked in the way he connected, encouraged and saw the potential and power of the believers in Antioch. No wonder a great number were brought to the lord.

 

A -     L like many, I would see myself as a good man. I don’t break the laws and I endeavour to stay out of trouble. My challenge though is; do I reflect the goodness that comes into my life from the Holy Spirit? More and more I see the importance of my relationship with Him and the freshness needed in connection. It’s not my goodness that attracts; it’s only the goodness that is a reflection of God’s character. Does then my goodness reflect a fullness of faith? Faith that reflects the culture of my life not just as a concept I polish up from time to time. For me to be a good man it requires me to both guard and cultivate my inner spirit connection and exercise. How I would love to see a great number of people brought to the lord. It seems the more powerful the goodness – then this creates the attraction and drawing of people. It’s the same goodness of God but now within me.

 

P –   Lord, I want to be a good man. I thank you that this goodness comes from you as I allow you to cultivate and grow your life more and more within me. I ask and desire a greater measure of Holy Spirit and Faith.