Things are Great and Getting Better: A Biblical Perspective

Things are Great and Getting Better: A Biblical Perspective

The motivational phrase “Things are great and getting better” is a powerful statement of optimism and hope. While it may seem at odds with the trials and tribulations we face in this world, it resonates with a deep truth found in the heart of the Christian faith. From a biblical perspective, this maxim isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a prophetic declaration rooted in God’s promises and the ultimate trajectory of His redemptive plan.

The Foundation of Goodness

To understand why things are great, we must first acknowledge the source of all goodness: God Himself. Scripture declares that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”¹² (James 1:17) Our very existence, the beauty of creation, the capacity for love and joy – these are all gifts from God, expressions of His inherent goodness and grace.³

Despite the brokenness of the world, glimpses of this original goodness still shine through. We see it in acts of kindness, in the resilience of the human spirit, in the breathtaking wonders of nature. Even in the midst of suffering, God’s grace sustains and provides opportunities for growth and transformation.⁴

The Promise of Redemption

The Christian faith is not blind to the reality of pain and suffering.⁵ We live in a fallen world, marred by sin and its consequences.⁶ However, the Bible offers a grand narrative of redemption, a story that begins with creation, is disrupted by the fall, and culminates in the restoration of all things through Jesus Christ.⁷

This redemptive arc is central to understanding why things are “getting better.” Through Christ’s death and resurrection, the power of sin and death has been broken.⁸ We have been reconciled to God and offered the gift of eternal life.⁹ This is the ultimate “getting better,” a promise of a future where there will be no more tears, pain, or death (Revelation 21:4).¹⁰

Living in the “Already, Not Yet”

While the fullness of redemption awaits us in the future, we already experience its benefits in the present. The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, empowering us to live lives of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These fruits of the Spirit are evidence of God’s Kingdom breaking into the here and now, transforming us from the inside out.¹¹

This is the “already, not yet” tension of the Christian life. We live in the “already” of Christ’s victory over sin and death, but we also await the “not yet” of His return and the final consummation of all things.¹² This tension fuels our hope and motivates us to participate in God’s redemptive work in the world.

Practical Implications

Embracing the truth that “things are great and getting better” has profound implications for how we live our lives:

• Cultivating Gratitude: Recognizing the inherent goodness of God and His ongoing work in our lives fosters a spirit of gratitude. We can give thanks even in difficult circumstances, knowing that God is with us and working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).¹³
• Living with Hope: The promise of future redemption gives us hope in the face of adversity. We can endure trials with confidence, knowing that they are temporary and that a glorious future awaits us.
• Sharing the Good News: The message of God’s love and redemption is the ultimate “good news.”¹⁴ We are called to share this message with others, offering them the same hope and transformation that we have experienced.
• Working for Justice: Our belief in a future where all things are made new compels us to work for justice and peace in the present. We are called to be agents of God’s Kingdom, seeking to alleviate suffering and promote human flourishing.¹⁵

Conclusion

“Things are great and getting better” is more than just a motivational phrase for Christians; it’s a statement of faith grounded in the reality of God’s goodness and His redemptive plan. While we acknowledge the challenges and brokenness of this world, we live with hope and confidence, knowing that the ultimate trajectory is towards restoration and renewal. This perspective empowers us to live lives of gratitude, purpose, and joy, even in the midst of adversity. As we embrace this truth and share it with others, we become participants in God’s ongoing work of making all things new.