creation-is-good

God’s Goodness, Our Sin, and the Gift of Gratitude

The Curious PilgrimLeave a comment

A Reflection by Roy Pearson

Scripture Focus:
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” — 1 Timothy 4:4–5
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23

Seeing God’s Goodness in Creation

Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 4:4–5 that everything God created is inherently good. This includes the food we eat, the relationships we cherish, and the world around us. False teachers in Timothy’s time were promoting abstinence and legalistic restrictions, claiming that avoiding certain things would make people more spiritual. Paul counters that spirituality is not about rejecting God’s creation, but about receiving it with thanksgiving and allowing it to be sanctified through prayer and God’s Word.

The Reality of Sin

Romans 3:23 brings balance to this perspective: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” While creation itself is good, humankind has been tainted by sin. Sin does not make God’s gifts evil, but it distorts how we perceive and use them. Food, marriage, and our bodies remain good, but selfishness, greed, and lust twist them into something harmful.

Christ Restores and Redeems

The good news is that through Jesus, what sin has distorted can be restored. Romans 3:24 reminds us that all who trust in Christ are justified freely by His grace. Through Him, we are empowered to receive God’s gifts rightly, transforming ordinary life into acts of worship. Gratitude and prayer become tools that sanctify our daily lives.

Living in Gratitude

Paul’s message is simple but profound:

  • Reject legalism, embrace gratitude. Do not see God’s creation as inherently evil or lesser; it is a reflection of His goodness.
  • Sanctify the everyday. Meals, relationships, and work can all become holy when dedicated to God in prayer.
  • Trust Christ for restoration. Sin may have distorted our hearts, but His grace restores our capacity to enjoy and honor God’s gifts.

Reflection Prayer

Lord, You made everything good, yet my sin has often kept me from seeing and using Your gifts rightly. Forgive me for the ways I have fallen short. Through Jesus, restore my heart so that I may receive all things with gratitude and holiness. Let my life reflect Your goodness and grace. Amen.