Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Tim. 6:18-19)
The judgment, verdict, conclusion, law, precepts, commandments, expectations of God are products of God’s Divine Nature. This understanding is elementary to our partaking of the Divine Nature of God.
This point is clearly elucidated and illustrated when Jesus said to some Pharisees, “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” (Matt. 12:34-35 NIV). Take notice of the question Jesus started with, “how can you who are evil…” say anything good? This is a grave and deep statement of which we may glean enormous benefits if carefully explored and extrapolated.
Words, conclusions, inferences and judgments are “tainted” by our respective nature. Everyone sees through his/her lenses. This is key and crucial. Notice further how Jesus clarified Himself, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of”. What an assertion. And we know whatever Jesus says about a subject is the truth about that subject. That notice must not infuriate anyone but rather inform and preform everyone. This understanding will and must help everyone to validate the platform from which our judgment are fabricated, extradite what is not according to the truth and be joined to the reasoning of truth. Jesus puts it thus, “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” (Matt. 12:33 NIV)
Beloved, gaining this background, how can God being good say anything bad; therefore? We must realize, apprehend, grasp the Nature of God to understand and tolerate the judgments and commandments of God “For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. God is good and His mercies endureth “(Psalm 100:5 KJV) therefore all His commandments and commitments are borne and delivered by His Good nature – I love to understand this!!!
God being good therefore will not require anything less neither will anyone who claims His Nature be different. God requires us to be good natured and the only way anyone can integrate the nature of God is to assimilate, ingest, digest, and adapt God’s Word. That is the only way.
Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32 KJV. Beloved, the pride and glory of our shared nature with God is measured by the volume and abounding riches of Good works that generates continuing thanksgiving to the Glory of God through us. That is our call and mandate.
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,…” Paul wrote to Timothy and that charge persists