What does American society lift up as the good life? Of course that would depend on whom you ask. It would be different if you watched MTV, CNN or Fox News. The good life is not making money because you never have enough and are always afraid of losing what you do have. It is not having fame or prestige because that only lasts about fifteen minutes. It is not adventure or sports because the thrill only lasts during the journey not after. So what is the good life?
We are set free from the bondage of sin and death for a specific purpose, to live according to the Spirit. The good life is living according to Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is life and peace (v. 6). So how do we live this way?
The first step is to set your mind on what the Spirit desires not on what our flesh desires (v. 5). We have an obligation to live this way (v. 12). We must desire love, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness rather than anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language (Col 3:8, 12-14). We have assurance that in all things God works for the good of those who love him (v. 28). Therefore, even through the sufferings and difficulties we may face, we live the good life. Can wealth, fame, adventure or anything else make such a boast? Let us then seek the things of God and thus live in peace and true joy.
Posted by Aaron Miner
Sunday, December 7, 2008
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