June 19

Followers of that which is good. - 1 Peter 3:13.

LET us consider the characters here spoken of. They are said to be the “followers of that which is good.” But what does the apostle mean by “good”? There are many things that are “good.” When God had finished all his works which he had made, he pronounced them all to be “very good.” But Peter refers unquestionably to something morally and religiously and spiritually good. So does John when he says, “He that doeth good is of God.” So does Paul when he says, “He that hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” So does our Lord when he says, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things;” and when he says of Mary, she “hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her.” This is preeminently good, -good for us in every period, in every relation, in every condition,- good for us personally and good for us relatively,-satisfactorily and everlastingly good.

Now, truth is “good,” especially the truth as it is in Jesus; and “it is a good thing for the heart to be established with grace.” Faith is a “good” thing, without which the truth would be only a nonentity to the mind, for it can only influence us as it is believed by us. Repentance is “good,” and so necessary that without it we shall “all perish.” And righteousness is “good,” and we read of those who “follow after righteousness.” And peace is “good,” and we are commanded to “follow peace with all men.” And charity is “good,” and we are commanded to “follow after charity.”

But this is not the main thing we have to regard here. If we refer to the original scripture, we shall find the word in the Greek is imitator; and so it is rendered in almost every modern version. Let us, therefore, thus consider it. Man has been defined an imitative creature, but not with much distinction; for we find the same tendency in all other beings, and especially in the young. How early do parents perceive this tendency to imitation in their children! and, oh, what a wise and watchful direction does it require! As fallen beings, we are most prone to be drawn aside by lying vanities, and to follow evil examples. And therefore says Moses to the Jews, “Follow not a multitude to do evil;” therefore says the apostle, “Follow not that which is evil, but that which is good.” The design of imitation always is resemblance. But there may be resemblance without imitation: resemblance may be accidental; but imitation includes aim, wish, design, endeavour.