Romans 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

Witnessing to a good person is difficult. They have a right moral sense and do that which is good and right. They are charitable, kind and law abiding. They are thought good of by all their neighbors. It is difficult to make them understand their souls are lost, their conscience is clean.

What if I were to tell them this isn’t about sin? Jesus came to save us from our sins, so what could I possibly tell them that might clarify God’s position on their “goodness”?

Psalm 108:5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;

A man who glories in his own abilities has stolen God’s glory. Glory is the reputation, good name, and essence of who God is in this world. The first commandment is that there is but one God and we shall not have another god before him. Being perfect in your own strength is setting yourself up as god.

There will be some who do not have a problem with that but putting that thought before them might be a starting point for them when things start going wrong. Man doesn’t think about God until things start going wrong. Their goodness has been a source of pride and we know that God resists the proud.

For those of you who want to say that your salvation is based on your own actions, let me point out this about law abiding.

Ephesians 2:7-9 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

We are saved by grace which comes by faith in Jesus Christ and not by our goodness.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

It is difficult in this modern world not to want more. Capitalism only flourishes in a growth market. Everyone who is trying to make a living, no matter which system of government, has to contend with a dwindling market. The government cannot feed the masses without resources. The goal for any government or business is fundamentally the same, grow the economy and collect revenue.

That doesn’t happen when people are content with what they have. Nearly everything we have has a shelf life. Very few things outlast their consumers. This has become a disposable world, it cost more to repair most items than it does to replace them. They call it the law of diminishing return. The longer you keep an item the less value it has in the market place.

This conversation is not about the economy but rather the condition of the heart. We live in the world. We abide by the laws of this world. We cooperate with leaders, we are subject to one another. We have the option of cooperating either from loving consideration or selfishness.

Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

What man shall do unto you is act selfishly. The selfish man will use you. He will exploit any weakness. Our only protection from these kinds of people is the help the Lord provides to those who love Him and obey His commands.

Job 31:7-8 If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands; Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.

Stay in the Way.