So I'm supposed to be writing about how God is the creator, but I want to talk about how God is good, so i'll talk about that and then incorporate some of God the creator in there somewhere. Anyway, before I begin, some reading on this is the first book of C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity (Yes I am plugging C.S. Lewis again) Im going to pitch this twice, read the first, and of your feeling extra brainy go for the second one too, I've tried to put paragraphs in but they don't always work on this site Pitch 1 Well first of all we need to come up with some definition of good. To use a familiar definition, good stuff would consist of stuff like helping the poor, heliping the needy, being a good mate, and in terms of physical stuff, its clean, quality, cool stuff, like iPods or Ferrari's, and then theres good food, you could go on forever really. Is this idea correct? I think its limited, but hey, its easy to work with and everyone has some understanding of it. Now biblically all we need to do is flash a look at Romans 8:28, which says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those that love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I mean, it doesn't get more obvious than that. So does that mean God gives us new BMW's and Merc's? Not necessarily, in fact probably not. As Christ people all that stuff does a pretty good job of pulling us away from God, and we know that our lives are supposed to be lived in surrender to God and his will, so really our good is to come closer to God, to get a more intimate knowledge of him, to get a better grasp of his love for us. And God is faithful, so when he says he provides. If he has plans for you to prosper then he will let you prosper. But have a read of the first few chapters of Job, God lets Satan snap this dude, taking away all his possessions, family and health. And that is for his good? It strenghtens his faith. The thing we need to see as Christians is that God's good does not really match the worlds good Pitch 2 Which brings us to our second definition. That is that God is good by definition. And to draw this back to the first definition, so you have some idea of whats going on is this. I'll do it for material things because its easiest, it can be applied to other forms of goodness, but its just easier to explain with material goods. So anyway, God, the creator, creates the whole human race, and a whole bunch of angels and other rad stuff. Also creates material possessions. In theory everything in this world has been created by God, so it is, by definition also good. Even though its a derivative of good it reflects God. What the problem is, is that we set our lives up in pursuit of material things, which lead us away from God, and essentially good. And in general the cooler the thing the further it takes us from God. Whether its, BMW makes awesome cars, or look at me I drive a BMW, or just now I feel really good about myself because I drive a BMW, it doesnt matter, because it takes you away from God and God's goodness. Well then what's a tangible way of seeing God's goodness? God isn't so concerned with material things as we are. Seeing God's goodness in reference to material goods is about making sure the poor have food, and that love is there. God's all about his love. I should elaborate here, but ill refrain, it would take the rest of the day to type it all out and its just impractical for you guys to read. So how do we know God is good to his people, constantly leading them back to him. Test it. You won't know how strong it is till you stand on it Anyway, I've talked enough (I could probably write at least 10 times the amount, but ill restrain myself) and left plenty of room for you guys to bounce ideas around. Any thoughts, questions, comments or any other feedback?...?