We discover a big difference between a good person and a goody two-shoes. The first wants to live a respectable, moral life. The second acts self-righteous with a holier-than-thou attitude.

A goody two-shoes tries to act better than everyone else.

However, that behavior comes from a self-serving motive. The person, also called a goody-goody, follows laws or rules more from pride or self-interest than beliefs. That often results in getting someone else in trouble.

Goody two-shoes people have existed since ancient times.

Jesus taught the importance of hearts made right with God rather than rituals of righteousness. People can follow the law but still hurt others. If their only concern is themselves, they have missed God’s message of love and forgiveness.

Instead of a focus on self, Jesus taught and lived to:

• Go beyond laws and customs – to go the second mile.
• Live humbly.
• Love and forgive.
• Help others.

Remain honest – a genuinely good person, not a goody two-shoes.

“Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24 NIV).

Thank you to Cynthia Shoemaker for the suggestion. Photo courtesy of Pexels with Pixabay.

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