GOODS: Goodbook 09-02-14

I would love to hear your insights on this two-part question I have been wrestling with.  Before the question, a little back story...

Twice in my devotions this past week, I came across reminders that the Christian life is meant to be lived out in active, faithful obedience to God.

In Luke 11:28, Jesus said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

In James 1:25, the author writes, "But those who look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continue in it--not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it--they will be blessed in what they do."

At the same time, I have been reading a book about a remarkable man by the name of Wilfred Grenfell.  Grenfell was a medical missionary to the area of Newfoundland and Labrador.  He was so much more than a doctor.  He dealt with educational needs, social needs (orphans, alcoholism), he dealt with corrupt political systems, and he also address the spiritual needs people had.

Grenfell made a powerful statement that has got me thinking.  He said, "If Christianity cannot be attractively presented to the world, if its preachers are not leaders in deeds as well as in words, if our presentation of Christianity has nothing beyond its philosophy to offer to life and fails to 'deliver the goods' which developing reason and enriched faith in God teach mankind, then mankind has a right to demand some new religion," (44).

So here is my two-part question...

Part One: What are the "goods" we should be delivering in our world if we are followers of Jesus?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this question.  Then, in your own time of reflection with God, consider the second part of the question...

Part Two: Am I "delivering the goods"?