Topical Bible: Christian Conduct: Following After That Which is Good

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The concept of following after that which is good is a fundamental aspect of Christian conduct, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible. This principle calls believers to pursue righteousness, embody virtues, and reflect the character of Christ in their daily lives. The pursuit of goodness is not merely an abstract ideal but a practical and active endeavor that shapes the moral and ethical framework of a Christian's life.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous exhortations to pursue what is good. In 1 Thessalonians 5:15, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people" . This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking the welfare of others and maintaining a spirit of kindness and forgiveness, even in the face of wrongdoing.

Similarly, in Romans 12:9, Paul writes, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good" . Here, the call to cling to what is good is juxtaposed with the rejection of evil, highlighting the active choice required to align one's life with God's standards.

Moral and Ethical Implications

Following after that which is good involves a commitment to moral integrity and ethical behavior. Christians are called to be examples of virtue in a world often characterized by moral relativism. This pursuit is not limited to personal piety but extends to social and communal responsibilities. Believers are encouraged to engage in acts of charity, justice, and mercy, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ.

The pursuit of goodness also involves a transformation of character. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes goodness: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" . These attributes are evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life, producing a character that mirrors the goodness of God.

Practical Application

Practically, following after that which is good requires discernment and intentionality. Christians are called to evaluate their actions, thoughts, and motivations in light of Scripture. Philippians 4:8 provides a guideline for this evaluation: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things" . By focusing on these virtues, believers can cultivate a mindset that naturally leads to good conduct.

Moreover, the pursuit of goodness is a communal effort. Hebrews 10:24 encourages believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" . The Christian community plays a vital role in encouraging and holding each other accountable in the pursuit of goodness.

Challenges and Perseverance

While the call to follow after that which is good is clear, it is not without challenges. Christians face opposition from a world that often values self-interest and moral compromise. However, the Bible assures believers of God's support in this endeavor. In 2 Thessalonians 3:13, Paul encourages, "But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good" . This reminder underscores the need for perseverance and reliance on God's strength to continue pursuing goodness despite difficulties.

In summary, following after that which is good is a central tenet of Christian conduct, requiring believers to actively pursue righteousness, embody the virtues of the Spirit, and engage in ethical behavior that reflects the character of Christ. Through Scripture, community support, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to live out this calling in their daily lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 5:15
See that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 6:11
But you, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
... Gospel and to regulate his words and conduct by God's ... Oh, that," it says, "is merely
the following of worldly ... how the simple life of a Christian, of husband or ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/seventeenth sunday after trinity the.htm

Third Sunday after Easter
... Thus, mark you, should every Christian conduct himself here on ... to return home the
following year ... ungrateful, meanwhile constantly striving after our inheritance ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday after easter.htm

With, Before, After
... characters and what a transformation on all our conduct! ... is useless to talk about
being Christian people. ... we had already attained, but following after, if that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/with before after.htm

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity the Careful Walk of the Christian.
... glass, presuming they do well in following such phantoms ... becomes a cold and indolent
Christian, then an ... circumspectly"; so much upon unwise conduct in regard ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twentieth sunday after trinity the.htm

After Christ: with Christ
... But the true characteristic of Christian teaching as to conduct lies in ... tasks are
lightened, and sorrows are made tolerable, if only we are following Him. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/after christ with christ.htm

Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ ...
... OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST AND THE CHRISTIAN'S CITIZENSHIP IN ... does; also to shape their
belief and conduct by the ... chapter, in the third verse and following, he says ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty third sunday after trinity.htm

Women Adorned with Good Work
... have reference to personal duty and conduct, or those ... And yet what multitudes of
Christian women there are ... well reported of as diligently following every good ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xvii women adorned with good.htm

The Festal Life
... of the Paschal Lamb, and the following feast ... more recognised virtues and graces of
Christian conduct and character ... your experience, if you are a Christian man at ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the festal life.htm

The Next Day, and the Next after That, were Passed by the Cardinal ...
The Master-Christian. ... who had suddenly found out that the Church was not following
its Master ... Their conduct was not his business,"his task was to declare, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/x the next day and.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... Such conduct ought not to have been tolerated even ... Especially let the Christian breast
eschew that foolish and ... On this and the three following chapters, which ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm