What is Good?

December 23, 2017

Last night I wrote about watching people in physical therapy struggle with the simplest of tasks, and not taking my health for granted. A couple friends responded with their own stories of dealing with health issues and being thankful for each day they’ve been given to continue the struggle. It got me to thinking again about my recent announcement of being cancer free. I said then that even had the report been otherwise, Jesus is still Lord, and worthy of our praise. One respondent said, “True, but cancer free is better.” I understand and appreciate the sentiment. No honorable person wants to see another human being suffer needlessly, and this person’s comment is evidence of her own compassionate heart. However, I’ve been thinking about that statement ever since.

Cancer free is more pleasant, to be sure, but better...? There’s a story in the Bible that bears upon our notions of better. Hezekiah was one of the “good” kings in ancient Israel’s roster of royalty, but his notion of good was skewed by selfishness. The short story is that he got sick. “Sick unto death,” as the Scriptures put it. He had an infection which in those pre-antibiotic days, was serious business. That was bad. He called for the prophet Isaiah to inquire of the LORD for him as to the course this illness would take, and was told to get his affairs in order, for he was going to die. This too, was bad. Like any good and brave ruler, he rolled over towards the wall and pouted.

Isaiah was on his way home when the LORD told him to go back with the news that Hezekiah’s pouty prayer had been heard, and he would be given fifteen additional years to live. This was good...for Hezekiah. Not so good for the nation, however. Three years into this reprieve, Hezekiah fathered a son. He was only twelve when he became king upon his father’s death, but reigned for more than fifty years; the longest reign of any of Israel’s kings. His name was Manasseh, considered to be the most wicked of all Israel’s kings. 

What we consider good always has certain underlying assumptions, and is based in whatever philosophy or world view to which we hold. Radical Muslims believe that killing in the name of Allah is good. Radical white nationalists believe hating someone because of the color of their skin is good. The same is true of radical Black Lives Matter proponents. Democrats believe more government is good. Republicans generally believe Capitalism is good. The list goes on and on. My car breaking down on the way to work is bad. But what if that flat tire kept me from being involved in a serious accident when another car ran a red light?

What if God in his infinite wisdom wants to deepen my empathy for those undergoing radiation? One of my dear friends has written of how his battle with cancer has deepened his trust in God, given him opportunities to share the Gospel, brought him and his wife closer together. Another, diagnosed with MS, sees her condition as the means by which God has used her to bless others. Are these illnesses good in and of themselves? Of course not, but God knows how to make all things (even unpleasant and harmful things) work out for a better good than we can imagine. 

I am grateful for the good health I enjoy. But I don’t want to equate it with God’s goodness, just as I don’t want to interpret every bad thing that happens as the work of Satan. Life is bigger than we imagine, and that is good, for it keeps us humble before our God, who is good...all the time.