In the absence of God

In the absence of God, there is an absence of all things good and virtuous, that are of any eternal significance. Many temporal deeds of

the most noble sort are manifested in the human experience daily. However, of what long lasting value are they, if not committed with the glory

of God in mind, and the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They only serve to add to the perpetrator a reenforcing psuedo sense of being

a good person. Without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we lack the proper understanding and power to exercise true goodness in it's purest form.

The heart that rejects the living God is a polluted wasteland that can neither do good(according to God) nor even ascertain what goodness

is. Jeremiah 17:9 says "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Pure goodness is done in the spirit of selfless-

ness, humilty,and love of God which leads to love of neighbor. It is devoid of pride or self adulation, and seeks not the praise of any man, but from

God alone and to God alone.