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Formerly Sabbath School Leadership, LEAD is a quarterly magazine to bring more power and polish to your Sabbath School programs and Sabbath School teaching.
 Listen to the Sabbath School Theme Music for this Quarter
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February 13: Goodness 
By David Robinson
CONNECT: RELEVANT
WHY should I study “The Fruit of the Spirit Is Goodness”?
• To better understand the intricacies of God’s goodness.
• To help me clearly discern God’s goodness to me.
• To help me explain God’s goodness to others.
LEARN: CREDIBLE
WHAT are the Bible facts in “The Fruit of the Spirit Is Goodness”?
• If I do what God does, then I am ensured that I am doing good (WWJD) (Ps. 25:8).
• God’s Son, Jesus, did good for humanity and was justified (Heb. 1:2, 3).
• There is no number of good deeds that can save me from my sinful nature (Rom. 3:11-20).
• Although the law states that I should be put to death, I
realize that the law is in place only to remind me how much I need Jesus (Rom. 7:7-12).
• I realize that if keeping the law of God prohibits me from having fun, then I’m not living right (Ps. 40:8).
• I am not alone in my struggle to be good. Jesus is there to help me—if I invite Him in (Ps. 51:10; 119:9; Rom. 7:18; 8:1-4).
• I must be dead to sin and self but alive in Christ
(Rom. 6:1-14).
APPLY: TIMELY
HOW are the principles of “The Fruit of the Spirit Is Goodness” seen today in the media?
• Basketball Without Borders. As part of their Basketball Without Borders program, the NBA hosted a camp in New Delhi for 53 young people from 15 different countries. Not only will the young participants learn basketball skills, but they also will be taught life and leadership skills. All this is an effort to show the young participants how to handle themselves on and off the court (nba.com/global/asia. Accessed May 5, 2009).
• Economy inspires community service. “Danny Cottrell, owner of the Medical Center Pharmacy in Brewton, Alabama, and a health-care store in Atmore, gave $16,000 to his 24 employees. Full-time workers each got $700 and part-timers got $300. Cottrell asked them to donate 15 percent to charity and spend the rest in local stores. Cottrell wanted to show his appreciation to his employees and help other businesses. When he gave out the cash, he said, “People at one store, they all cried; and at the other one, they just sat stunned. . . . It’s been a blast” (usatoday.com/news. Accessed June 2009).
APPLY: CONVERSATION
Witness: I’m glad to learn that finally the NBA is taking some responsibility in helping athletes dump the “bad boy” image and be worthwhile role models through the Basketball Without Borders program.
A Parent: Overall a “good guy” image is long overdue. Although some players are doing good things, they’re not the ones getting prime-time press for those behaviors.
Witness: You’re right! The culture encourages—and rewards—bizarre behavior. But I realize that if keeping the law of God prohibits me from having fun, then I’ve got a lot to learn about living.
A Parent: Mercy! And you’re not even a preacher—or are you?
Witness: No. I’m a volunteer coach here at the recreation center. Still I know from experience that serving God has rewards, so I’m studying each week with a group of other young men—and young women— who are interested in their spiritual growth. So I can see myself growing. My father is also in a weekly study group, if you’d like to join him any week.
A Parent: Sounds useful. When does his study group meet?
INTEGRATE: DOABLE
HOW do I use and share the principles of “The Fruit of the Spirit Is Goodness” for my own spiritual growth and share them with other people?
• I have learned that connection with Christ through Bible study and prayer helps me remember that although I “fall down” that I can—and better—get back up and get in line with God’s goodness program.
• I look for examples of God’s goodness in my life and the lives of contemporary people to share anywhere at anytime during “teachable or reachable” moments. The spirits, hearts, and minds of people often need to be lifted.
MASTER: MEASURABLE
WHAT changes in thinking, action, or reaction have I begun/made as a result of studying “The Fruit of the Spirit Is Goodness”?
• The hymn “God Is So Good” now has a deeper meaning to me, because I am consciously open to His leading.
• I can share the goodness of God through hymns—and other music.
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