“You are my Lord, I have no good apart from you” (Psalm 16:2). Those who are in Christ say a hearty “Amen” to this. James 1:17 gives credit where credit is due: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Now wait a minute, Pastor Matt. I have lots of good away from the things of God. I have some wonderful children, a great job, money in the bank, mountains to the West. These are good things—and I couldn’t give two hoots about your God.

My response is, “You may believe that good can come apart from God, but there is no good apart from Him. It’s just that we who are followers of Christ recognize the origin of the good.” Do you take this for granted, even as a follower of Jesus?

We approach Holy Week. Palm Sunday reminds us of Hosanna, the God who saves. Good Friday reminds us of the payment of that salvation. Easter Sunday reminds us of the victory that secured our salvation. And Christ is the centerpiece of it all. He must be the centerpiece of our lives as well.

And that’s good!