'I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the 
goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.'

Goodness stems from wholeness and perfection.  One who makes a  habit of  embracing  goodness, demonstrates strength of character and soundness of mind that leads to true inner peace and beauty.  When the inner man is at peace, full enjoyment of the goodness of God, displayed in our day-to-day lives, and in our surroundings, can be fully appreciated.

But sometimes we struggle to do what is good. This is  because although our spirit may hunger after what is righteousness, our flesh may desire to take an easier way.  There may be a financially more lucrative way, or one that pampers our egos.  Other times we do not want to be set apart as different or take a path that makes us appear to be 'goody two shoes'.  Everyone likes to be accepted by others, but sometimes it is not fashionable to be good.  Good behaviour can be deemed to be boring, unexciting, lacking both daring and rebellion.  This gives the wrong idea entirely, it is the person who dares to stand alone and support higher principles and goals who is the real champion.

We live in societies full of role models.  Many dress in the manner of their sport, music or film idols, or try to incorporate certain aspects of the behaviour into their life.  A star is popular for a season, and fashion houses and magazines flaunt images -  hair styles, sun glasses etc.

There are many great men and women, some with extraordinary talents and looks.  For me however there is only one man who stands out gleaming like a light throughout all of the history of man.  His every thought and deed pointed straight to heaven.  His attitudes and teachings spoke of something much more wholesome than any other.  If I aim to imitate any one it has to be Christ.   

Paul spoke of putting on Christ, as an actor wears his clothes for the stage.  A Christian strives to imitate Him so that when the world looks they see not the man or woman but the Lord.    I fail 7 times out of 10 do do what He would have done, and the other 3  I have still become more like Him and won a victory.  Each time God wins I feel I have triumphed over self and happy I am because God has a higher plan for me than I fully realise.