Goodness doesn’t trend. It doesn’t get shared, reposted, or noticed. Moral excellence may be a definition for goodness that sounds more familiar. The world defines moral excellence by reputation. God describes it as righteousness. True goodness is integrity in motion—doing what’s right when no one’s keeping score.
The world says, a man with integrity pays his taxes on time, treats people fairly, and stays out of trouble—behavior the public sees as important—it’s all about an individual’s image.
In today’s culture, morality is relative—do what feels good. Ethics shift with context—it depends on who benefits. Success can overshadow sin—if it produces results, character flaws can be overlooked. Approval becomes a man’s compass—if respect and adulation come, corners can be shaved.
God’s word views goodness as character over comfort—it’s the active pursuit of virtue. It’s the daily choice to do the right thing.
Goodness flows from the heart, it’s about integrity before God, not reputation before men. A man of integrity pursues holiness. He does this to honor Christ. Having integrity meaning there are times when one will be required to stand alone. Goodness is rooted in truth, not trends. Goodness bears quiet fruit. It’s seen in faithfulness, honesty, humility, and purity.
Paul knew that feeling when he wrote to the Galatians. They were tired. They were questioning whether doing good even mattered. And that’s when he reminded them: “Don’t give up.” You’re not planting seeds for the world’s approval; you’re planting for God’s harvest.
The harvest will come—but in His time, not yours.
Scripture
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season
we will reap, if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
Paul wrote to believers who were tired of doing right but seeing little in return. They were faithful, planting good seeds, but weary from waiting. (Don’t we feel that way at times?) He reminds them that goodness takes endurance, patience and obedience. “At the proper time” means God’s timing, not ours, He decides the harvest.
The enemy whispers, “It’s not working.” But Paul says, don’t quit. Keep sowing, keep trusting, keep doing good. God sees every act of faithfulness. God, “doesn’t want anyone to parish” according to 2 Peter 3:9.
Application
So, what does moral excellence or goodness look like in a man’s life? Here are several characteristics that should be apparent:
In our technology-crammed, online environment, sin is readily accessible 24/7. Portable devices (smartphones, earbuds, tablets, smartwatches, and laptops), as good as they are for communication and enjoyment, make it easy to hide what’s going on in one’s life. The downside of this technology causes us to have to make the right decisions constantly throughout our day. “Flee from sin; honor God with your body.” (1 Cor 6:18–20)
Sometimes, workplace pressure causes us to put aside right for opportunities for advancement. Times have changed. My dad spent 38 years at Teletype. My uncle John worked for 35 years at Zenith. There was job security straight out of college back then. Today, no one’s position is promised. “Work as unto the Lord, not for men.” (Col 3:23)
The world says, “Use your position of leadership to gain influence.” God’s word says, “Use your influence to serve.” Serve who—Christ and others before yourself? Leadership isn’t a means to an end; it’s an opportunity to lift others higher. “Use your influence to serve.” (Mark 10:45)
The world has a twisted view of relationships. It says, “Give love only when it’s earned.” God’s goodness says, “Give love unconditionally.” Love should not be seen as a transaction. “Love unconditionally, as Christ loved you.” (John 13:34)
The world wants men to believe your worth is determined by what you earn. Money is not a trophy; it’s a tool to do good. God doesn’t condemn money—but He’s very clear: it’s not the measure of success. In His eyes, wealth isn’t wrong, but worshiping it is.“Be generous and content; your worth is in Christ.” (1 Tim 6:6–10)
If you’re confused about how to bring goodness into your life, ask the Holy Spirit to provide opportunities for you to learn goodness.
Today’s Challenge: test yourself
Ask yourself: If no one ever knew about this choice, would I still do it? If your answer is yes, you’re walking in goodness. That’s the test of integrity—doing what’s right even when there’s no reward, applause, or validation.
The man of God doesn’t need the world’s scoreboard to measure his success. His approval comes from the only voice that matters.
Then pray this:
“Father, help me stay faithful when doing good feels unnoticed. Teach me to keep sowing in obedience, trusting Your timing for the harvest. Keep my heart pure, my motives clean, and my hands steady. May my goodness reflect Your character, not my need for recognition. Amen.”
Final Thought
Goodness is quiet strength. It’s choosing right when wrong would be easier. It’s showing up when quitting would feel justified. It’s being faithful when no one’s clapping.
The world may never see your small acts of obedience, but heaven does—and heaven keeps score differently.
When you choose integrity over image, compassion over convenience, and faithfulness over fame—you’re building a life that lasts.
This week’s step: Every day, ask God to give you one unseen opportunity to do good—where no one but Him notices. Those are the moments that shape your soul and store eternal rewards.
Next up, we’ll see how Faithfulness keeps standing when the truth gets tested.
Greek Word Meanings for Each Fruit.
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