What is For Your Good

~~~ Isaiah 48: 17-19 ~~~ Psalm 1 ~~~ Matthew 11:16-19 ~~~

I remember hearing my grandmother use the phrase, 'it's good for you'

usually when I had to eat something I did not like.

And guess what, I would find myself telling my own

children the same thing.

Is it only those things that we do not like

or do not want to do that are good for us?

Today God is saying something similar...
 

"I, the LORD, your God,
teach you what is for your good,
and lead you on the way you should go."

He continues speaking about the commandments.

Sometimes we cannot convince ourselves that keeping

the commandments is actually good for us.

We try so hard to ignore what is 'good for us' and instead

do what feels good.

We think keeping the commandments is pretty easy,

when in reality they are a real challenge.

God never told Moses that the people would feel good

if they kept the commandments.

But so often when we are caught up in sin

that is a huge factor.

Let's call it the feel good factor...FGF.

Children are often motivated by instant gratification,
but for some it continues into their adult life.

Those who keep the commandments and follow the Lord
will have 'the light of life'.
The light of life is certainly 'good for us'.
Not only will it be good for us to have the light of life,
but we can use this light to help others.
We can be a light in this world of doom and gloom.
We can be the light of hope.
We can be the light of faith.
We can be the light of love...forgiveness...compassion...
you decide what kind of light is good for you.

When you find yourself staring at the beautiful colored Christmas lights
today think of the light that you are for others.
Lights are either on or off,
but when you have the Light of the Lord
it can burn brightly day and night. It can be seen from near and far.
The Light of the Lord never burns out...
The Light of the Lord never grows dim.
The Light of the Lord is good for you...

When you have the Light of the Lord you can see clearly...
you can see that it matters not what you eat and drink 
as long as you are carrying him with you.

Jesus came for all people,
not just those who ate the proper foods, lived in a certain place,
or dressed in royal robes.
His Light does not discriminate.