By Cindy Phillips
The Good Life is the central theme for this week’s thought, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from following God’s plans and delighting in His purposes rather than worldly success. If you ask the unsaved what a “good life” looks like, they will likely describe it as good career, nice house, plenty of money and other worldly things. Let’s look deeper;
Purpose and Delight: According to John 10:10, Jesus offers abundant life, which is experienced when those who trust in Jesus align with God’s will. The Greek word translated “more abundant” means exceeding a measure, superior, extraordinary. Notice the definition has nothing to do with good career, nice house, plenty of money and worldly things. Which would you choose – worldly treasure or an extraordinary life? And think on this – what would be more extraordinary than Eternal Life? I would gladly trade all the world has to offer me for eternal life spent with the One that loved me so much He sent His only begotten Son to die in my place. Psalm 73:25-26 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. This Scripture reinforces that God alone is our strength and portion, providing eternal joy.
Surrender: Philip Henry (1631–1696), the father of the renowned Bible commentator Matthew Henry, said “He is no fool who parts with that which he cannot keep, when he is sure to be recompensed with that which he cannot lose.” A good life in Christ is defined as a surrendered life, where one gives all to God to do His will. This perspective shifts focus from temporary earthly gains to eternal ones. True surrender is dieing to yourself (i.e. worldly desires) and being alive in Christ. Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Daily Application: This thought should encourage you to resist worldly conformity and instead find your identity and joy in serving God and others. In Matthew 6:19 – 21, Jesus said “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Those who seek worldly treasure only will have it for a season. Those who store their treasures in (and set their hearts on) Heaven have the true Good Life in mind!