North American culture exudes abundance. From childhood to adulthood, we’re enticed to pursue personal power, prestige, and prosperity. As the benefactors of our own labors, we willingly embrace the good life as the only legitimate form of self-worth and security. Is this pursuit of the good life actually the abundant life Jesus offers?
In Luke 12:15 Jesus warns us that, “life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” The thief can steal or destroy temporal things, but he has no legitimate access or authority to steal or destroy eternal things. Anytime we live life vicariously and substitute the temporal life for the eternal life Jesus offers, we compromise our spiritual integrity and credibility. We are in danger of forfeiting the abundant life God intends us to experience.
As believers, how do we live the good life? Do we pursue temporal things at the risk of loss, or pursue eternal things with His promise of abundance? Matthew 6:20 assures us that eternal things are secure from the thief. Jesus desires that we experience life to the fullest—a life devoted to surrendering self, a life committed to prioritizing His purposes. This is a life fully secure in Him. Are you experiencing the good life as God intended?
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for your daily provisions. Help me discern the eternal from the temporal. Teach me how to prioritize kingdom purposes and to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Help me trust You fully to provide all my needs, according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Amen
Take Action
Examine your heart. Ask God to help you redefine the good life and to live life from His perspective. Apply His insight and direction to your day.
Check out Treasure: Jesus is Worth Everything.