What is your definition of a good life? What are the components that make up a life worth living? Have you spent time thinking about it? Does it include a list of possessions? Does it include a spouse with certain qualities?
I believe we all want to live a life worth living. For most of us, we want to make a difference. We want to make a positive impact. We may desire to contribute to research. We may want to teach. We may be looking to change the laws of the land.
When we think of a good life, we often think as the world thinks. But notice what the Apostle Paul points out as components of a good life in today’s passage. He includes being humble, gentle, and patient. He includes keeping the unity of the Spirit through peace, but not just any peace, the bond of peace that comes through the Holy Spirit.
Notice also that he says it is the life we are called to. God calls us to this good life, a life worthy of living. Not one of the components he lists is a physical possession. Not one of them is a specific skill or job. In other words, Paul is stating every follower of Jesus Christ can have a good life.
Pursuing the life worthy of living as Paul defines it can be done regardless of where we work or live. It is a life we can have. How do we acquire it? We turn our lives over to Jesus. We follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We ask God to provide and rely on his provision. In short, we trust God at his word.
I pray we all answer the call. I pray we seek to live a life worthy of living. I pray each of us will pursue the abundant life Jesus promised us by trusting God to provide. Be humble. Be gentle. Be patient. Bear with one another. Love one another. Keep the unity. Ask God to provide. Trust God. Live a worthy life.
Ephesians 4:1-3 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Marty Pressey 