SEEKING THE GOODS

Dallas Willard 1937-2013) 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.”

And, I might add, if something is not ‘good’ it is perhaps ‘bad.’ The in-between of good and bad is always sketchy territory.

“A good tree does not produce bad fruit, nor does a bad tree produce good fruit.” Jesus