Are you a Goody Two-Shoes? Most people cringe at the tag. The phrase got its start from John Newbery’s children’s story published in 1765, and we’re still using the label today. The Modern Urban Dictionary describes a Goody Two-Shoes as a likely staunch conservative bent on lecturing others about avoiding sin; in short, a pest.

The desire of the righteous ends only in good.

Proverbs 11:23

Modern culture has painted a picture of being good as “judgmental and annoying” and being bad as “hip and cool.” A survey of most people will likely reveal they want to be seen as cool, but their real desire is for good things to happen in their lives! The Holy Bible describes God’s handiwork in making the Earth and people as “very good.” Goodness is also counted as one of the marvelous gifts of the Holy Spirit to be desired. Today’s verse says righteous desires can only end up having good results.

Pray for America today – that a generation of young people would come to understand a good and loving God even in the midst of a decadent and carnal culture. Be prayerful, too, as you navigate the tricky ethos of bad as good and good as annoying…and don’t be afraid to proclaim God’s view of good as great.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 5:16-21