One of the more frustrating texts and oft-misinterpreted texts, particularly in a time of suffering, is Romans 8:28. The misfortune of this text is that it has not only been misinterpreted and misused, but it has been used as a simplistic counseling response in times of trouble. There is no doubt that all things work together for good for the Christian. But whether things turn out “good” is not the question. The better question is, “What does ‘good’ mean?”
We must ask what was Paul thinking and how would Paul want us to interpret the “good” that happens to us when trouble comes. Most certainly the “good” does not necessarily mean I will live a healthy, wealthy, and peaceful life. It also does not mean that when trouble comes God is about to turn this tragedy or disappointment into some kind of prosperity or preferred outcome for me. This is a man-centered interpretation of the text.
The Wrong Good
Debra was in an automobile accident and her car was totaled. Through the ordeal, she received an incredible insurance claim that allowed her to buy a car that was far better than her previous aging vehicle. Though God may have worked these things into her life and she may have received a brand new vehicle, it can be misleading to bring Romans 8:28 to bear on this situation. For some, it might imply that God is our “Divine Dreamweaver.” This is not the “good” that Paul was talking about.
Whether or not your life and circumstances unfold to your liking is not the point of the Bible and neither is it the point of your life. Giving you the life you’ve always wanted is not at the top of God’s “to do” list.
- Jesus’ life ended in death so God could bring about good. (This is the ultimate Good News!)
- Joseph’s life landed him in a pit & prison in order to bring about good.
- Judah offered to give his life up for the sake of Benjamin’s life to bring about good.
- Moses spent 40 years of his life on the backside of a desert to bring about good.
- Naomi was willing to give up her daughters-in-law to bring about good.
- Esther was willing to lay her life down to bring about good.
- Job lost everything, but from his horrible experience came good.
- John was boiled in oil, but he, too, was used to bring about good.
- John Bunyan spent over a decade in jail to bring about good.
The Right Good
The good that God is working in me and you is to make us more like Jesus. If my circumstances and my world are not conforming me to be more like Jesus, then I’m missing the point of what is going on in the circumstances of my life. The point of the Bible is transformation, not 7 habits for highly effective people.
The point of the Bible is not my personal success or happiness as defined by our culture, but transformation into the image of his Son. If I gain personal property, acclaim, or significant monetary worth in this life, but these means of prosperity do not conform me to the image of his Son, then I have missed the point of God’s work in my life.
The “good” in this text and the point of this passage is for me to be changed into the image of Christ, not necessarily to grow healthy, wealthy, and wise.
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. -Romans 8:28-30 (ESV)
For a fuller explanation on this subject listen to the message preached on 03.28.10 by Charlie Boyd at Southside Fellowship in Greenville, SC
Application Questions
- When “negative” things come into your life, what is your immediate response?
- Do you see God working things for “good” in your life and do you understand the “good” as God conforming you into the image of his Son?
- Or do you see the positive things in your life as God’s blessing and the “negative” things as God not working for your “good?”
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