The adage, “Nothing good happens after midnight,” is a common piece of advice, particularly given by cops to young people. The reasoning is simple: the cover of darkness often provides an environment where negative behaviors and unfortunate circumstances are more likely to occur. This advice resonates with many, especially parents trying to guide their children through their teenage years. I, myself, used this phrase repeatedly with my own children, setting their curfew at midnight until they reached adulthood.
My daughter, now a mother, recalled this advice when news broke about American gold medalist Ryan Lochte and others claiming to be victims of armed robbery in Rio around 3:00 a.m. They reported the incident occurred while returning to the Olympic village after a late-night party, alleging they were robbed by gunmen. While the authenticity of the incident was questioned, it highlighted the potential dangers that can arise when individuals are out late at night.
While the saying “Nothing good happens after midnight” serves as general advice, it’s important to consider a deeper perspective on what truly constitutes “good.” Jesus offered counsel that challenged a rich young ruler, responding to the man’s question about what he must do to inherit eternal life with, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone” (Luke 18:19b). In this context, the wealthy young man believed his good deeds qualified him for heaven. However, Jesus revealed that the man’s heart was not fully devoted to God, as he was unwilling to part with his material possessions.
The prophet Isaiah further emphasized this point, cautioning that “all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment” (Isaiah 64:6). This highlights the idea that human effort, without God’s involvement, will always fall short of true goodness. Salvation is not earned through works, but is a gift from God.
So, while the former cop in me wants to advise, “Nothing good happens after midnight,” the pastor inside exhorts, “Nothing is truly good if God is not in the mix.” It’s a reminder that true goodness stems from a relationship with God, not simply avoiding late-night activities. This doesn’t mean that nothing can happen after midnight, but it is a good reminder to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, and to always seek God in all that you do. Faith is key.
-Jim