I don’t know about you, but the words – “It’s for your own good” – conjure up numerous memories. Think back to your childhood. Surely, you had adults and various others who had influence in your life . . . and said – “it’s for your own good.” Chances are, most of those folks were trying to cast a purposeful vision forward into your life. Plus – don’t you sometimes say the same thing now as you attempt to influence someone you care about? Whether or not you do – God does. In case you didn’t know, that phrase – “for your own good.” – is straight out of Scripture.
Now, let’s explore exactly “what” is supposed to be for your own good.
Let’s Tear Into – For Your Own Good
There are always four categories we explore in Scripture dissection:
- What Does It Say?
- What Does It Mean?
- Make It Personal.
- Make A Commitment.
1. What Does It Say?
That phrase – “it’s for your own good” – has often been said with an understood message. Essentially, that you need to accept a certain scenario, discipline, or difficulty because it’s going to help you in the long run. It’ll influence your character development no matter the outcome. Actually, parents, teachers, and mentors use that phrase to impart value to their learners. Most of the time, it’s used with a desire for you to do well.
Incidentally, God also says in Deut.10:13 – “Observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?”
And Paul repeats the Deut. phrase in 1 Cor.7:35 – “I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way – in undivided devotion to the Lord.”
Actually, Scripture says things like “for your own good” to bring self-accountability into your life. Better to hold yourself accountable than for others to have to do it. Plus, God wants you to manage your life to increase godly character. Interestingly, He reinforces His love and deep care for you by saying “for your own good.”
These verses say – “Listen up! I’m not trying to limit or restrict you. Rather, I want you to live a healthy life and know God personally.”
2. What Does It Mean?
Whatever the point being made, it’s obvious the writer intends something good for you. Oftentimes, it takes years and additional maturity to respond with the conviction that – “it indeed is for my own good!”
Once a person is willing to receive this message, it’s amazing what a difference it can make. In fact, healthy people who are interested in learning and growing to become their “better self” – eagerly look for these kinds of messages. They’ve figured out it’s not negative – not a slam – to welcome input that affects character development. Rather, they simply yearn to know God more and honor Him.
From God’s Perspective
To God, words automatically mean action! Think about this. Every time God speaks, a powerful action results in change, beauty, hope, help, intervention, and sometimes rebuke or correction. (Check out – “The Perfect Sandwich”). God promises – if you fix your ways and deeds to match His, He will bless your life.
Here are three focus points He gives you – for your own good – to implement Deut.10:13:
- Practice justice as you interact in your community.
- Don’t oppress others, no matter who they are.
- Never let anything become more important in your life than God. In other words – no other gods.
Here’s another way to look at this. To ignore focus points “for your own good” is really “to your own harm!”
When God says “it’s for your own good,” He means – everything in His Word is for your good. Also, He’s saying “I love you” enough to talk about it. Plus, He’s got so much commitment to your life that He expects you to “do what He says.”
You can’t find a person anywhere with more “buy-in” to your success than God. Equally, God knows that “left to your own devices” you may choose a downward path even before you realize it. So, He steps in and simply says what you need to hear.
From Paul’s Perspective
Let’s review what Paul says – “1 Cor.7:35 – “I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way – in undivided devotion to the Lord.”
When Paul repeats God’s own words from Deut.10:13 in his letter to the Corinthians, he focuses on three things:
- This is not to restrict you.
- Rather, it’s to help you live a healthy life (God’s way).
- Finally, to develop undivided love for Christ and prove it by your actions.
Wow! That is crystal clear. Short. To-the-point. Easy to read. Practical to follow.
So, ‘what these verses mean’ is rather practical. Further, it’s caring. Equally, it’s the kind of conversation mature, healthy people welcome and engage.
3. Make It Personal
This is when it gets exciting!
It’s time to make the message personal. In other words, find practical application that helps you be a healthy, balanced person. To reach for your very best in every scenario. Why not be the guy or gal that rises to the standard? In essence, be the person God designed and created. It’s all good! In fact, “it’s for your own good.”
God cares deeply about your well-being and future. He doesn’t want you to engage in deeds and life patterns “to your own harm.” This phrase couches His directives deeply in His concern and love for you.
“To your own harm” is a phrase God uses to communicate the opposite of “for your own good.”
Deut.10:12 (the verse preceding the “for your own good” verse) says, “What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
What are the action points of this additional verse?
- God gives clear directives to apply to your day.
- Fear the Lord your God – which means to revere, respect, honor Him.
- Walk with resolve to obey His ways.
- LOVE HIM more than any other.
- Serve God with all your heart and soul. Basically, all of you – because you prove your heart intentions by what you do.
These are the things you should do “for your own good.” Since God’s motives are both admirable and for your well-being, it’s a good idea to adopt those previous points – for your own good! They are action points you can carry out.
Quite literally, God warns not to do certain things “to your own harm.” (Jer. 7:6; 25:7) This proves He’s looking out for your best interests. Plus, when you do things “for your own good,” you prove your relationship with God is important to you. Essentially, you believe and honor Him enough to obey Him.
So, what does this look like in relation to God and others?
- Well, one example: never speak words of truth without matching your heart and deeds to those words. Otherwise, they are words with no power.
- Another example: Listen to God’s words – with all your heart. In fact, with passion! Your eagerness to hear God shows you honor and believe Him.
- And yet another example: Answer Him when He speaks into your life. Literally, speak to Him sincerely from your heart.
- Final example: Carry out actions that flow from conversation with God. His words to you – and then yours back to Him – will nurture an Alive and Active Life.
All this helps you stay close to God. Such a pro-active approach to daily living! And it’s your privilege to respond with intimacy to God. Essentially, it’s “living inside prayer.”
And that’s how you make these Scriptures personal!
4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts And Questions
It’s one thing to hear the message – “it’s for your own good.” However, it’s quite another to act on it. To realize someone cares enough about your life to focus on things that would serve you well. That’s what you must pay attention to. So, adopt daily choices accordingly.
You’ll never go wrong when you love God with all your heart – and put Scripture into practical action.
- How familiar are you with God’s commands and ways?
- How are you putting His principles into practical action each day? Be specific.
- Do you believe God when He says – “it’s for your own good?”
- In what ways do you wonder if God might be restricting you?
- What is God bringing to your attention to encourage you live inside His ways?
- Do you respond well to God’s accountability? To accountability others bring?
- Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
- Take a moment to contemplate how you communicate your love for God in daily choices. In your relationships. Do your words, actions, attitudes need to change?
- Do others see Jesus in your life?
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