A man can’t take back a mistake that bad. But he can grow with it and live better for it.”
–T.V. Olsen (“They Walked Tall”)
“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.”
“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.”
–Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NKJV)
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It has often been said that “the good is the enemy of the best,” but is that always true? It depends much upon circumstance and context and perspective. You can never do gooder, but you can be better; neither can you be bester. On the other hand there are so many who are satisfied with the good. That’s why there is so much mediocrity in our society. Why can’t a person strive to be better? Why can’t they become the best? There are many reasons, but one is that good is good enough.
But what about God? He cannot ever be better for He is already the best. In another way, we have often heard the expression, “God is good–all the time; and all the time–God is good.” There is nothing half-hearted with God. There is nothing mediocre in God. He cannot be any less and He cannot be any more–He is God.
In studying Psalm 119, I am seeing that the Psalmist has said that “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes” (119:71, NKJV). That is so contrary to much of today’s preaching and thinking. Affliction is good? Read the writings of Paul and Peter and they say the same thing. Now, let’s go on to verse 72, “The law of Your mouth is better to me…” Affliction is good, but the law, the commandments, the Word of God is better.
“A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.” (37:16, NKJV)
“Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.” (63:3, NKJV)
“This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bull, which has horns and hooves.” (69:31, NKJV)
“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (84:10, NKJV)
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” (118:8, NKJV)
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (118:9, NKJV)
“The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.” (119:72, NKJV)
We need to be careful of our thoughts and our priorities. I might say here, you’ll do this if you know what’s good for you. Live for the Lord, it is better by far than anything the world has to offer. In fact, the world is the enemy of God, so if we desire the things of the world we are degrading, not becoming better. Better life than death, both in the physical realm and the spiritual.
We work as unto the Lord, therefore, we do the best we can. We walk through this life the best we know how. Can we do better? Most likely, at times, but we strive to do the best, we try to better ourselves. Contemplate the above Psalms today and throughout the week. See what is “better.” See how to become “better.” Along the way, in the school of God, we get better. The writer of the book of Hebrews said, “But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.” (6:9, NKJV) There are “better” things that accompany salvation. We find them as we go through the school of God and life. Oh, and don’t forget that “obedience is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22, NKJV) Have you noticed that obedience is mentioned so much in regard to true worship and life with God. Better than sacrifice; if you love me keep my commandments–obey.
————————————
It has often been said that “the good is the enemy of the best,” but is that always true? It depends much upon circumstance and context and perspective. You can never do gooder, but you can be better; neither can you be bester. On the other hand there are so many who are satisfied with the good. That’s why there is so much mediocrity in our society. Why can’t a person strive to be better? Why can’t they become the best? There are many reasons, but one is that good is good enough.
But what about God? He cannot ever be better for He is already the best. In another way, we have often heard the expression, “God is good–all the time; and all the time–God is good.” There is nothing half-hearted with God. There is nothing mediocre in God. He cannot be any less and He cannot be any more–He is God.
In studying Psalm 119, I am seeing that the Psalmist has said that “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes” (119:71, NKJV). That is so contrary to much of today’s preaching and thinking. Affliction is good? Read the writings of Paul and Peter and they say the same thing. Now, let’s go on to verse 72, “The law of Your mouth is better to me…” Affliction is good, but the law, the commandments, the Word of God is better.
“A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.” (37:16, NKJV)
“Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.” (63:3, NKJV)
“This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bull, which has horns and hooves.” (69:31, NKJV)
“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (84:10, NKJV)
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” (118:8, NKJV)
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (118:9, NKJV)
“The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.” (119:72, NKJV)
We need to be careful of our thoughts and our priorities. I might say here, you’ll do this if you know what’s good for you. Live for the Lord, it is better by far than anything the world has to offer. In fact, the world is the enemy of God, so if we desire the things of the world we are degrading, not becoming better. Better life than death, both in the physical realm and the spiritual.
We work as unto the Lord, therefore, we do the best we can. We walk through this life the best we know how. Can we do better? Most likely, at times, but we strive to do the best, we try to better ourselves. Contemplate the above Psalms today and throughout the week. See what is “better.” See how to become “better.” Along the way, in the school of God, we get better. The writer of the book of Hebrews said, “But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.” (6:9, NKJV) There are “better” things that accompany salvation. We find them as we go through the school of God and life. Oh, and don’t forget that “obedience is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22, NKJV) Have you noticed that obedience is mentioned so much in regard to true worship and life with God. Better than sacrifice; if you love me keep my commandments–obey.