Living the "Good Life"

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 1:10 NIV).

The goal in life for many Americans down through the years has been the "American Dream." It is kind of a nebulous purpose for live. As I understand, it means to own your own home, have a good paying job, have the material things of this world, be set up for an enjoyable and fulfilling retirement, with no worries for the future. It is essentially living what is often called the "Good Life."

For some people the Good Life is confused with looking good. They are preoccupied with appearance, as if that is all that really matters in life. American culture idolizes beauty and puts a premium on being attractive.

For others the Good Life is confused with feeling good. Their goal is the minimization of pain and the maximization of pleasure, and they will use whatever it takes to achieve it: hot tubs, Disneyland, alcohol, world travel, the latest movie, etc. The pleasure and entertainment industry is now the largest industry in America. The old 60's phrase, "If it feels good, do it" has become the modus operandi for much of our society.

For others the Good Life is confused with having all the material things the world has to offer. Their chief ambition is to have a nice home, nice car, nice clothes, and all the things you need for fun hobbies and pastimes, like boats, motor homes, and whatever other stuff you need for having a good time. You may have heard the old saying, "the only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys." Americans tend to make as much as they can and spend it as fast as they can.

The truth is: none of these things ultimately satisfy. No matter what you do, you can't stop the aging process. Pleasure is a by-product of the Good Life, not the goal of it. And ultimately we need to understand that the greatest things in life are not things!

So what is the Good Life? It is the personal fulfillment and joy that comes from being good and doing good. It is the result of discovering and becoming exactly what God created you to be. Nothing else will fill that void in your soul.

So, for what has God created us? We have been created to worship Him, and to work with Him in fulfilling His purpose for the world. We are created to worship God and give Him glory: Psalm 86:9 says, "All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to Your name."

We are also created to work with Him in fulfilling HIS purpose in the world. We learn in Ephesians 2:10, "God creates each of us in Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing" (The Message translation).

When you use your life to help others, to do good, and to know and trust God, you will feel good about yourself, and you will experience true fulfillment. That is the Good Life. Don't let anybody con you into thinking it is something else!

Enjoy the "good life" in Christ Jesus,
Roger