Clinging to What is Good

Categories: Devotional,Psalms,Romans

Have you ever known a person that you would call, clingy. Being clingy is not usually something to be admired. Don’t you find it kind of a sign of weakness?

But the Bible tells us that to cling is good, to “cling to what is good.” It says that in Romans 12. It says that because when you follow Jesus, you are not committed to goodness in a casual way, but you make a serious commitment to goodness.

The phrase can even mean: “be glued to what is good.”

And here is what Paul says that looks like: be glued to what is good, in that you are “devoted to one another in brotherly love” (Romans 12:10). That idea of a loving someone as a “brother” or “sister” who is not in your own immediate flesh and blood family, is wholly Jewish, and Christian in origin. No one else used to talk like that.

The Hebrew psalmist says: I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation (Psalm 22:22). Nowhere else in all of the ancient world did people use the word “brother” in this way.

Anyway, part of being glued to what is good also means, to “Honor one another above yourself” (Romans 12:10). We’re not talking about false humility here, but God wants you to be marked by true humility. In other words, don’t seek honor for yourself, above others.

One of the things that people comment on in politics today, or notice anyway, is the difference between, on the one hand, someone who is truly driven into politics to make a difference, and on the other hand someone who is perceived to be driven just by making a name for themselves.

We are to be driven by great concern for others. And that’s how you are, isn’t it?

This is a season now when I am going through a very tough time with my health. And every day I try to give my mother a call, to let her know how I am doing. One day she said, “I looked at myself in the mirror this morning, and I look terrible. I realized it’s because I’m so worried about you.”

You know, that is so Christlike.

Part of clinging to what is good is living life with great concern for others.

And part of God’s life, is his clinging onto you—because God clings to what is good in Christ, especially his children. His concern for you is so great, it’s like he is glued, to you!

Now, that’s something to Celebrate!

Author: Toby Larson

Toby Larson leads Celebration International. He is a husband and father of 5. Whether he's teaching, hitting tennis balls, sailing a Hobie, serving in Asia, skiing on water or snow, Toby is passionate about the love of God and the love of life. Read more ...