The Good Life

Despite the economic downturns we have faced as a nation, most have not given up on the dream of the "Good Life," especially for our children. We want them to get a good education, land a good job, buy a good house and have a good retirement program. It all sounds so...good, doesn't it?

And, it is even what Jesus wants for us as well, right?  He said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10) - that seems plain enough, doesn't it?  It is clear that Jesus wants us to have an abundant life, but is abundant life to be equated with a comfortable life?  In other words, if you get the education, job, house and retirement of your dreams, would Christ say, "We'll done, my good and faithful servant"(Matt 25:21), you have achieved the good I I have desired desired for you?

To put it yet another way, if you struggle with finances all your ice, if you never have an abundance of money, never own a house, never get a degree and find you have to work during your retirement years, would Christ be disappointed with your life?  If so, wouldn't he have been disappointed with the lives of the prophets, the apostles, with John the Baptist and even with his own life?  Hmmm.

Abraham was very wealthy and is regarded as our model of faithfulness.  John the Baptist lived on locust and wild honey but was regarded as unparalleled among men. The common denominator of what God views as abundance does not appear to be wealth or comfort. In fact, Jesus said, "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God" (Matt 19:24).

The common denominator of the abundant or good life Jesus had in mind is not found in possessions but rather in purpose. The size of your bank account and the location of your house has nothing to do with feeling your life has meaning and that it is worthwhile. You can be rich or poor and have a full life or it can be terribly empty. The difference is found in fulfilling God's purpose, that must be your primary concern.  In point of fact, if you "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matt 6:33).

Jus' Sayn.