John Bainbridge, in Another Way of Living, quotes John Levee: “In America a parent puts food in front of a child and says, ‘Eat it, it’s good for you.’ In Europe, the parent says, ‘Eat it. It’s good.’ Here are two different perspectives, both true, but not equal in their motivational quality.”

How do we approach physical exercise? Is it good for us or is it good? We know that it is good for us, but it is hard to make the time for it unless we believe it is good.

How do we approach worship? Is it good for us or is it good? Knowing it is good for us may move us to be faithful in attendance, but unless we decide it is good, we will likely find it less than satisfying. A song of ascent that the Israelites sang as they approached Jerusalem began with the words, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD” (Psalm 122:1). Do we approach our opportunities to worship with the same gladness?

How do we approach Bible study—reading through the Bible in a year, Bible class, etc.? Is it good for us, or is it good? Certainly it is good for us. Peter warned against those who wrest the scriptures to their own destruction, then said, “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:17-18). How can we grow and beware of error without regular Bible study. Surely it is good for us!

But have we grown to the point that we realize Bible study is not just good for us but that it is also good? “I will delight myself in thy commandments, Which I have loved. … How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path. … I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; And thy law is my delight” (Psalm 119:47, 103-105, 174). It is good!