How much 'Goodness' do you really have, could you try to achieve more?

Question

If you wished to, how would you go about it?

This is not a holier than thou standpoint, I wish to know ways to advance spiritually.

Answer 1

To achieve "goodness" do not seek it. Instead, realize that the whole is not part of you, you are part of the whole. Therefore, seek to improve all mankind, and by default you are a part of mankind. Ergo: "goodness" will accomplish itself a grain of sand at a time, not your grain, but a grain of sand on a distant shore. --- Uncle Wayne, after two beers.

Answer 2

I've got nothing against goodness. It isn't the answer, but there is nothing wrong with it. If I remember correctly, Jesus went about doing good, and I am supposed to be like him.

I recommend finding an example to emulate. Who do you consider good? Look at what that one has done, then go and do likewise.

One thing to keep in mind, though. I find that the more I try to do good, the more I realize that I don't have a whole lot of goodness in me on my own. If you find yourself up against the same wall, let me know and we can talk about how to deal with it.

Answer 3

I guess my "goodness" is equal to my happiness. Living by eternal principles of truth (and Goodness, or Light) naturally brings inner joy and peace.

Yes, I can achieve more joy/goodness than I already have, although I feel very grateful for what I have already been given from the Lord.

A few different simple things I can do to try and get more Goodness (Light) include: prayer and meditation, fasting, service to others, practicing kindness and patience, cultivating gratitude, disciplining my thoughts, self-evaluation, eating foods that are good for me (and avoiding those that are bad for me), etc.

It's a holistic thing... a lifestyle than brings about increasing Goodness and Light.

Answer 4

If we can look objectively at ourselves we can be really good and really bad. They both arise.

It is shocking how a very kind person can get totally mean in some situations.

Learning from our behavior, watching the rippling effect it has in life can be a wonderful life lesson. Like throwing a stone into a pond...the ripples continue going out and out. Kindness and meaness seem to do the same thing.

Answer 5

How much I truly have I can only measure in reference to how I have grown on my path....goodness and compassion are ongoing, always refining, ever expanding....as is God, the All.....the One

I find that as my heart opens and deepens, I am more and more inclined to think in terms of others needs, to be in service because of Love, just Love.....

this causes me to experience more of my own goodness, and in that I trust myself more and more. And the heart opens further, and so it goes...
my being, my soul is fed through the upliftment of others, and their increased joy when they are within my presence....more than that, I cannot say.

Namaste

Answer 6

I don't know if I'm ultimately good or evil, as the two are man made constructs that change indefinitely depending on the viewpoint. I like to think my deeds are good, though.

Answer 7

Tough question. The bible says my good deeds are like filthy rags. We must do everything for the glory of God and let him be the judge. Besides we are not supposed to boast.

Answer 8

Beautiful lin, one could always achieve greater Goodness until we reach the level of Goodness that God has.

Answer 9

I never really know, I don't think I am bad but I don't think I am perfect either, and on that basis I try to be a better person slowly day by day.

Answer 10

That's a hard question to answer without letting one's ego run away with them. I believe that I contain goodness and there is always room for improvement.