Be good

Here's this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc:

One of my favorite things to say just after “good-bye” to folks is, with a slight wink in my eye, “Be good.” I usually get a smile and something like “not a chance” or a sarcastic “sure” in return.
I hope, however, that the fun of a “Be good” comment leaves at least a tiny grain of thought – one that challenges us at our very core to be good to one another.

In this week’s Bible reading from Mark 10:17-31, Jesus issues a reminder of just how difficult it is, if not impossible, to be good. He goes as far as to say that no one is good but God alone. He reminds one questioner – and any who heard then or read now – how impossible it is to earn any kind of ‘good points’ on our own steam.

But he does offer hope. Everything is possible with God. When we pursue the good that God is and the love that God is and the care and compassion that God is we start to taste what it is to focus not on our desire for ‘stuff,’ but rather God’s desire that all may be considered important, precious, and loved.

Be good.