How good are you?

Read Psalm 14.

One of the qualities of God's character throughout the Scriptures is that He is good.  So, if a person rejects the LORD, how good can they be?

Yes, we know people who are nice, kind and friendly.  Philanthropists accomplish tremendous good deeds around the globe.  In fact, most folks seem to want to do what is right by each other.  This has led many to assume that man is innately good.  The question then must be raised, "Good by whose standard?"  Do human acts of kindness earn merit with God?  Can a person perform enough good works to be accepted into heaven?

This psalm makes God's evaluation of human character without Him perfectly clear.

1. He is a fool.

2. He is corrupt.

3. He does abominable deeds.

4. There is none who does good.

Such statements offend our pride.  It requires humility to acknowledge our sinful nature to God and seek His mercy and forgiveness in Christ.

The Apostle Paul quoted Psalm 14 when he wrote to the Roman Christians.  And, then he wrote, "…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:9-24)

That may be who we are by natural birth, but we no longer need to live in that condition.  God is good and He offers that goodness to us through faith in Jesus.