Empowering Believers - Christian Resources for All Paths to Christ
The Hidden Power of Goodness: More Than Meets the Eye
Today’s inspiration is drawn from “The Power of Goodness” by Janette Hales Beckham during October 1995.
The Struggle for Power Begins Early
In Janette Hales Beckham’s talk, “The Power of Goodness,” we hear about the human quest for power starting at a young age. Kids quickly learn the dynamics of size, strength, and numbers, leveraging these factors for their own safety and well-being. This early brush with the concept of power echoes throughout our lives as we grow older, continually facing challenges that make us question our own influence and control.
Biblical Insight: The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
In the Bible, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan—a tale that emphasizes the power of goodness over physical or political strength. A man is assaulted and left injured by the roadside. Two people, who society would deem “powerful,” pass him by. Yet, it’s a Samaritan, considered an outsider, who stops to help. The power of goodness surpasses all other kinds of power in this story, highlighting that the most significant force in life isn’t political or physical strength, but love and compassion.
Finding Strength in Love
As Beckham recounts, when her brother Tommy was born with severe disabilities, her family discovered a different kind of strength. Love, tenderness, and compassion filled their home, transforming it into a sanctuary of goodness. It is this sort of power that influences us most deeply, giving us a sense of peace and security that no amount of political or physical power can provide.
Learning the Hard Way: A Family's Journey to Goodness
When a family in Beckham’s talk decided to move to the Philippines to do charitable work, they found that the journey to goodness wasn’t easy. Stripped of their routine and comforts, they had to reestablish their priorities, ultimately finding a deeper understanding and appreciation for life. They learned the importance of listening, patience, and respect—values that can only be internalized when one seeks to cultivate goodness from within. This transformation wasn’t instant; it required hard work, dedication, and a willingness to embrace the power of goodness.
The Enduring Influence of Righteous Power: Unveiling the Spiritual Force Within
The wisdom imparted by Janette Hales Beckham suggests that while both divine and political powers exist, there is an unmatched durability in righteousness-based power. This isn’t just a passing lesson; it’s a core truth that has been with humanity throughout history. For example, Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, had a life-altering epiphany about the nature of true power while confined in Liberty Jail. In his dire situation, Smith initially prayed for revenge against his enemies, only to be gently redirected by divine guidance. The message was clear: true power is not in revenge or suppression but in enduring hardships with peace, compassion, and love. It’s about leveraging gentleness, meekness, and unfeigned love as the cornerstones of genuine power. Such divine attributes give us the strength to heal, uplift, inspire, and create a lasting impact, ultimately leading us to triumph over our trials and tribulations.
Be an Agent of Goodness to Transform the World
While we all possess different forms of power, be it social, economic, or political, the most impactful and enduring one is the power of goodness. In today’s world, where physical strength and political clout often seem to take center stage, it’s easy to forget that the most potent force is our inherent goodness. It is this power that truly sustains us, and it’s this power that can transform our lives and the world around us. Therefore, the call to action here is a profound one: cultivate and employ your inherent power of goodness every single day. Ask yourself, how can you contribute positively to your community today? How can you show love in a world that sometimes seems filled with hate? By focusing on these essential questions, you can be an agent of change, making the world a more compassionate, kind, and just place for all. Link to the original: Click Here
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