It appears that most everyone desires to have something called "the good life." We see that a lot on television ads, we read about it, maybe you've even talked about it with someone you know. But, here's my question: "What defines a good life?"
I wonder, who (or what) decides what defines a good life? Maybe there's some sort of criteria, or scale that demonstrates when one moves up from having merely an "average life" to "the good life?" If there is such a thing, I sure haven't seen it yet.
If you asked a dozen people to share their thoughts on what "the good life" is, I suppose you'd get as many different answers. However, I would gather a guess that mixed somewhere in their responses would be some important common areas.
Thus, even though your definition and my definition of "the good life" would differ, there's a pretty good chance that we would agree on some points. One thing that we all can agree on is that we have basic needs. For example, food, water, and shelter are necessary for survival.
Other things like designer clothes, luxury automobiles, gourmet foods, mmmm...not so much. What makes these so difficult to reject is that we live in an extremely, materialistic world. It's hard to escape this fact as we're constantly bombarded with reminders of it.
Our materialistic society is right there, in our face, everytime we turn on the television, listen to music, go shopping, etc. It's always there. Nevertheless, there is a way to tone down the background noise; pull back on the throttle and find peace in what's really important.
I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with wanting nice things. We all like nice things. It becomes a problem when it develops into an obsession, and rules your life. For Christians, materialism is a dangerous enemy. It can really do a number on our lives.
The deceitfulness of possessions can cause the Christian to become fruitless (Matthew 13:22). Desiring these things can be a trap that leads us down the wrong path (1 Timothy 6:9-10). They can dominate our affections, and even prevent us from serving God like we should.
Jesus taught that there is a lot more to life than the accumulation of things. Our lives do not consist in the amount of things we have (Luke 12:15). Besides, we are all aware of how fleeting material things can be. They can be lost virtually overnight (Matthew 6:19-20). They can also change our hearts; and not in a good way (Matthew 6:21-24).
Fortunately, Our Lord extends to us an offer of a truly abundant life. What a wonderful alternative to the deceitful, worldly desires we are so familiar with! What does He offer? He offers: a life filled with peace (John 14:27); a life filled with love (John 15:9); and a life filled with joy (John 15:11).
As I close today, maybe by his promise of peace, love, and joy, we can appreciate why Christ said He offers an "abundant" life (John 10:10). And that's an offer that will never expire. Take advantage of it today!
Scripture: Matthew 16:26; 1 John 2:16; Matthew 6:27-29; 1 Timothy 6:7; Psalm 37:7-9
Prayer: Dear Lord, there is nothing I desire more than to have a relation with You. I know that the things we acquire in our journey here are nothing compared to an eternal life with You in Your heavenly home. Help me to never forget that fact. In Your Holy Name Jesus. Amen
Have a blessed Monday!
Giana
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