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,