“…but I will teach you the good and the right way: Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” ~ 1 Samuel 12:23b-24  

Twice, in the Bible we read of people who “did that which was right in their own eyes”, and both times it was disastrous! Also, we read twice in the Bible that “there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” It is interesting that both statements appear two times! Repetition is God’s way of emphasizing truth! 

In our mind’s eye, we have an idea of what we think “good” is! It may be limited to “good enough” or “good compared to what others are and do”. Because we all tend to see things a bit differently from each other, our definitions of good might even clash! We are living in a day when the words of Isaiah ring so very true when he decried those “that call evil good, and good evil”. 

As Samuel spoke to God’s people, he declared to them a Biblical description of “the good and the right way.” These precious verses show forth three attributes of “goodness”: 

1. Reverence for His Holy Name – “Only fear the LORD” 

2. Reliance upon His Divine Truth, without Reservation – “and serve him in truth with all your heart” 

3. Reflection upon His Incredible Goodness – “for consider how great things he hath done for you.” 

If this trio of attributes are a part of our being, we will find ourselves walking in the good and the right way in the sight of God! 

Pastor Bish