Is there still a place for goodness?

Driving into the parking lot at church last Sunday, I asked Tom if goodness was still a virtue that people strive for? Jimmy Carter’s death raised that question. His son remembered his dad, not as governor or president, but as a “good man.” Jimmy Carter’s legacy is one of goodness, service and faith.

 Most say his presidency was disappointing. Forces within and without took a toll on what he was trying to do. Through it all, he maintained his faith was a driving force and his goodness was the outward expression of that faith.

 Is goodness seen as a soft virtue today? Are good people suckers and losers? Is goodness passe? Goodness is a springboard of kindness, generosity, humility, gentleness. It is born of a life in the Spirit and shows forth in ways of blessing in the world. The world can be harsh in criticism for people who offer such virtues. For some it is antithetical to put others first. They think it is foolish to deny selfishness. Self-interest was not in Jimmy Carter’s wheelhouse.

 We are called to test our own work and share in the goodness that is proclaimed in the creation story Genesis I tells. In every bit of creation, God finishes a day and proclaims it good. Goodness is a blessing sown into us at creation.

 Things of earth get into the way of our living goodness. The drive for success, money and fame blurs vision for what a life of goodness looks like. Things of earth capture us, taking us off track from the values and virtues we are taught. Hate rears up. Fear is mongered. We quake and ask if goodness is still of value to the world.

 Reid Overcash, a longstanding advertising and marketing guru, well and widely respected, wrote on Facebook recently of a conversation he and his wife had nearly eight years ago. He remembers a television show he had been watching, Designated Survivor. The lead character, as the designated Cabinet survivor of an apocalyptic event in the United States, assumes the presidency.

 Kiefer Sutherland plays “an obscure Cabinet member” who is ill equipped to take leadership but works to grow into the job he assumed. Overcash’s wife asked, “why this doesn’t seem to be happening in our current government?” He responded, “Good people rise to the occasion.”

 The rising of goodness upon us is a hope going forward. Goodness, humility, honesty, charity, kindness, service are what the world needs today. Kindness is the outward expression of inward goodness. This is the life we find in Christ.

 The correlation between faith and a good life are evident in Jimmy Carter. Even in the throes of politics, Carter taught Sunday School and was active in his Washington church. He was washed in the Spirit. It poured out of him onto others. His life beyond the Presidency is evidence of that.

 This is not a political issue. Goodness is an issue of character and integrity. The question stands: does goodness still matter? Does character still matter? Integrity? Honesty? Truth? I have more questions than answers.

 In the latter days of his life, Jimmy Carter wrapped himself in a blanket on which was written Psalm 23. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.” President Carter did just that and the world is a better place because of it.

 Going forward in 2025, I will look for the good, and surround myself with good people. In a world that is tilting toward selfishness, I will work to be generous. In a world hostile to the stranger, I will work to be hospitable. I will take risks to be good, and heat from the naysayers who think I am delusional.

 The world God called “good” still spins. We are part of that world. Living into the vision of the peaceable kingdom and the abundant life is the work we are called into. Do not be afraid. God is with us.

 Lib Campbell is a retired Methodist pastor, retreat leader, columnist and host of the blogsite www.avirtualchurch.com. She can be contacted at libcam05@gmail.com