How to Live the Good Life

 “For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].”

This is the Word of God taken from Ephesians 2:10 AMP. 

Wow! Not only did God create us, but He prearranged everything for us so that we can live the good life. 

So why are we suffering from illnesses and financial issues? We know the answer right? Poor nutritional habits and mismanagement of our money.

I always give thanks to God who created the supply even before the demand was created and I say oh what a great God He is with such foresight and vision and love.

So today, we are called on to take a step back and reflect on the fact that God created us for a unique and meaningful journey. And he has equipped us to be successful.

So what are the good works that God has outlined in the Bible for us to do and they are still relevant today?

Well these good works may vary from person to person, but generally, we are all called to just do good. 

Micah 6:8 ”He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?“

This is the prearranged purpose that God has for us, His children.

So if we are not living the good life, we are encouraged to embrace the spiritual transformation and renewal offered through Jesus Christ, and confidently walk in the paths God has prearranged for us. 

Ephesians 4:17-24 ”So this I say, and solemnly affirm together with the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the [unbelieving] Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds [and in the foolishness and emptiness of their souls], for their [moral] understanding is darkened and their reasoning is clouded; [they are] alienated and self-banished from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the [willful] ignorance and spiritual blindness that is [deep-seated] within them, because of the hardness and insensitivity of their heart…

And they, [the ungodly in their spiritual apathy], having become callous and unfeeling, have given themselves over [as prey] to unbridled sensuality, eagerly craving the practice of every kind of impurity [that their desires may demand]…

But you did not learn Christ in this way! If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him], that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation].“

Imagine God as the Master Creator that He is. He carefully crafted every detail of your life, of my life, of our lives on like a canvas.

Isaiah 64:8 ”…O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our Potter, And we all are the work of Your hand.“

Psalms 139:13-16 ”For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was being formed in secret, And intricately and skillfully formed [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth. Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were appointed for me, When as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape].“

So everything God did to create us, every part of our lives, represents a moment, an experience, a challenge,  a season of our journey. 

But thing is, we were given the choice to make a mess or live the good life. What’s our choice? 

Perhaps we need to take stock of our mental health, our eating habits, our finances, our relationships. It’s a choice that we must make, but we don’t have to do it without God’s guidance. Hallelujah. The Master Creator is standing by to help us live the good life.

Now, living the good life doesn't necessarily mean everything is going to be nice and dandy all the time. We know this. Sometimes it seems as though we can’t catch a good break!! Disappointment, illness, foreclosure, relationship break up, loss of a job. One thing after the next. 

Nothing is perfect. And smooth sailing doesn’t last forever. So there’ll be bumps and bruises and full on rough times along the way.

But thanks be to God that as Christians, we can have hope and joy, even amidst the challenges. Thanks be to God that He turn even our marred canvases into a testimony of His grace, wisdom, and unending love. 

John 10:10 reassures us ”The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].“

Psalm 37:23 is of great encouragement as well: ”The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].“ 

So as I close, there are some steps we can take to live the good life. And I  would encourage you to take down these scriptures and read them for yourself.

1. Your will must be God's Will: Proverbs 3:5-6

2. Obey the Word of the Lord: Psalm 119:105 and Joshua 1:8 which I want to highlight - ”This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful.“

3. Allow God to guide you every step of the way: Proverbs 16:9.

4. Let your life be one of love and service: Matthew 22:37-39.

5. Know God's purpose for your life: Jeremiah 29:11.

6. When challenges come, continue to trust in God: Romans 8:28, and 

7. Embrace the fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23.

That’s the good life that God prearranged for us.

So the question is: Are we living the good life? If so, great. If not, let’s get on with it. We are yet alive and so it is not too late to fall in line and align ourselves with God’s divine plan. 

aub - 12 March 2024

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