When Some Good is Still Good

Growing up among the mountains in western Washington state, I never questioned drinking tap water. There were no mineral stains in our sinks or washing machines. And water softeners were science fiction until I visited relatives in the Midwest. Yuck. Today, I live where the water is mineral-rich, and without a water softener, you can plan on replacing your faucets and appliances regularly. Nonetheless, I do not drink tap water anymore. Instead, we have an RO (reverse osmosis) filtered tap. Our sinks, showers, and appliances all have softened water running through them, but for consumption—it's RO all the way. Would it be better to run everything on RO? Maybe. But some good is still good.

Historians and scholars such as Alvin Schmidt, Rodney Stark, and David Nystrom apply the 'some good is still good principle' to the impact of Jesus' movement—the early church. Christianity began as a movement. From the earliest days of the Christian movement, its members were known for radical religious views, counter-cultural social activism, and claiming to belong to a new king and kingdom. The Christian movement has continued to echo forward throughout history. Christianity continues to affect modern ethics and laws.

Scattered throughout history's global timeline, Jesus' followers work to improve the value and dignity of women, children, and the marginalized. The movement of Christianity has produced orphanages, hospitals, fair labor standards, the abolition of the slave trade in England, equality for women, and the civil rights movement in the United States. From a spiritual or ‘ultimate good’ perspective, the message of Christianity has been transforming people eternally. From a social or ‘still good’ perspective, Christianity has been in tension with and transforming cultures around the world. Even for those who don’t choose to follow Jesus and join His movement, some good is still very good.

How has Jesus and the impact of His followers brought good into your life?

What injustice or inequity in your community might benefit from the good work of Jesus’ followers?

From Chapter 3 of Revive: Leading Change—Igniting Movement by Jim Strecker