When we predict of the “good life,” images of epic vacations, large houses, grand adventures, and material wealth come to mind. The way God defines a life well-lived requires us to disclaim ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow him (Matthew 16:24-26). Jesus’ way isn’t nearly as appealing because the culture’s idea of the great life.
Consider Jesus, the one perfect human, got here from a low-income family, he lived as a nomad during his ministry, made no efforts to amass wealth, focused on serving and healthing the outcasts and brokenhearted locally, made no effort to realize status or power in the standard sense, had not material possessions, and trusted his Father for all the pieces he needed!
Jesus’ life flies within the face of all the pieces we consider will bring us happiness. He also angered the religious elite because he was not the power-hungry Messiah they were hoping for. He was a humble shepherd looking to indicate his love for us and illuminate the trail to Heaven through his actions.
James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is that this: to take care of orphans and widows of their distress and to maintain oneself from being polluted by the world.”
The good life is one poured out for the sake of the Father. It’s often painful and sophisticated, makes no practical sense, requires sacrifice, humility, and repair, and will not be in any respect convenient. The good life will not be about us in any respect; it’s concerning the God who lives in us and works through us day by day. It looks like sacrificial love and forgiveness are around every corner. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 describes this type of life as follows:
Love is patient, love is kind. It doesn’t envy, it doesn’t boast, it will not be proud. It will not be rude, it will not be self-seeking, it will not be easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the reality. It bears all things, believes, hopes, and endures all things.
God’s love is one which embraces boundaries, considers others higher than ourselves, pursues truth, and is long-suffering. This is what life really is, and ultimately it’s in no way about us but about honoring the God who made us.
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