To Have The Good Life

 

      The good life is not measured in dollars and cents. The good life is not measured in property and things one possesses. The good life is not measured in popularity and fame. The good life belongs to those who have read the book, know the Author, and put themselves in His will!

 

      To have the good life we must understand ownership. We belong to God! (I Corinthians 6:19-20.) Our bodies and our spirits are God's. We must therefore glorify God in our bodies. Paul recognized ownership and was therefore able to say, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13.)

 

      To have the good life you must develop the power of enthusiasm. "Let a man lose every­thing but his enthusiasm, and he'll recover." "Enthusiasm isn't an act. It is Christians caught in the act of being normal." Because of the "king eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God..." We should develop the power of enthusiasm. (I Timothy 1:17.)

 

      To have the good life we must be a joy spreader. One of the best ways to spread joy is to compliment other people. As Christians we must like other people and tell them we like them. Smile at people, and watch them smile back at you. Paul complimented the Philippian brethren. (Philippians 1:3ff.) This is simply a putting into action of the principle of Matthew 7:12.

 

      To have the good life we must practice the most blessed art of giving. Our Master taught that it is "more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35.) To have to good life, try giving more than you receive. The happiest people in the world are those who have learned to share with others. Remember, God increases the fruits of our righteousness. (II Corinthians 9:10.)

 

      To have the good life we must "be born again". The gospel (good news) centers in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. (I Corin­thians 15:1-4.) To be born again you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (Romans 6:3-4.) When you have obeyed the gospel and arise from baptism you have a brand new life and are now ready to live "the good life" or to "walk in newness of life."

 

By Charles Box, Walnut Street Church of Christ, P.O. Box 551, Greenville, Alabama 36037 USA

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