SEEKING GOODS

Dallas Willard, (1935-2013) professor and author wrote:

“We can and must, however, seek “goods.” These are things and qualities that represent, illustrate, and point us to what the good is like. “Goods” are those noble, virtuous ways of acting and being in both individual and communal life. This absolutely includes many activities and objectives within business, economics, politics, law, medicine, and religious life. Such “goods” are also accompanied by “ways” and “means” of “being” and “behaving” that will result in benefit to both others and ourselves. An example of these “goods” would be generally encountered in displays of patience, wisdom, honesty, reliability, credibility, honor, expertise, and the like. These are “common goods” simply due to the fact that these aspects or qualities of life carry both individual and collective decency with them and will therefore work effectively for the benefit of everyone who engages and applies these goods in community life. Such benevolent customs and practices are examples of “good,” and they are also things that manifest goodness.”

I suppose if one does not seek goods, the other option is to seek bads. Or, to seek goods badly.

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Jesus