Better Than The Fat Of Rams

How should we define 'Good?' Most of us are raised to view 'goodness' or virtue from a Manichean, dialectical standpoint as in: "I am a 'good person' when I perform a 'mitzvah' or a 'good deed.'" Further, most are raised to think: "I am a 'good person' when I resist an 'evil' or otherwise selfish deed."

Yet we often leave the RESISTANCE part out of this equation, or we regard it axiomatically without truly exploring its more subterranean, introspective terrain.

What we call 'Good', at its most dynamic, efficacious & authentic root, is borne out of the radical RESISTANCE OF EVIL. And I say 'radical' because we are known to be innately self-centered, perfidious creatures.

Again, upon first glance, this may appear to be an axiomatic assumption. However, we must delve deeper to find the root of any good & true thing.

Further, often the most profound opera of God is composed within each disciple's inmost being, with the subtlest of movements & the ultra-lowest frequency of the Spirit.

Once one evolves their worldview to include this as the fulcrum upon which their Salvation rests, it becomes quite clear that one can be saved even in the absence of so-called moralistic ACTION.

Of course, this is not to exclude any & all deeds of charitable deliberation. It merely means that a true moral center must first be found, if one's 'acts' are to bear their fullest weight & significance.

That is to say, it is often in the quietest, stillest moments of intrapersonal contemplation, that we find the strength & courage to effectively resist the darker impulses which arise within us-and indeed, which tug & pull at us from the external, interpersonal realms.

True morality is built upon the abstruse architecture of individuated communion with God. It is forged, quite ironically, in the negative spaces.

Furthermore, 'Good' can neutralize 'Evil' only in the initial act of ingenuous RESISTANCE. In humility & surrender, are we helped. In the same humility & surrender before a Holy God, are we SAVED.

For we must never forget, that indeed are we saved by FAITH, & not works. God seeks us each in our inmost being & achieves His most profound works there. THAT'S where He lives.

Communal religiosity should therefore always arise organically out of individualistic revelation. And if it doesn't, the fruit withers on the vine.

Yet we should seek to achieve not 'individuality', but INDIVIDUATION.

For our Lord & Saviour, too, had to descend to Hades, both metaphorical & physical, before He could ascend.

The way up & out, is & has always been, IN.

God is the only Holy being. He does not expect humanity to achieve moral perfection.

But He does search our hearts for genuine repentance & reverence. And our obedience, to Him, is much better than the fat of rams. And our authenticity, in a world of sham & fakery, is of even more infinite worth.

We are only so 'good' insofar as we allow the One who is holy & perfect dwell in & act through us. All the rest is vanity. All the rest is foolishness.

Let us lay down our burden & surrender the Fight which has already been WON. For the Scripture reads not: 'Prove thy good through thy charity, rather 'RESIST the devil & He shall flee!' Thus, know the Truth, & be free! For oh how now, can He move through Thee!