“The ultimate expression of life is not a paycheck. The ultimate expression of life is not a Mercedes. The ultimate expression of life is not a million dollars or a bank account or a home,” recently wrote Jim Rohn in a blog post. “The ultimate expression of life is living a good life.”
“But,” you ask, “What is a good life?”
Rohn, a well known entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker, shares a short list of 6 qualities that, in his estimation, make for a good life. Interestingly all 6 have a Biblical basis and application to our Christian calling.
(1) Productivity.
“You won’t be happy if you don’t produce, wrote Rohn. “The game of life is not rest.”
Almost a 1,000 years before Christ, Solomon said that the good life was about enjoying the fruit of your labor. “For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward from all my labor” (Eccl. 2:10).
God did not put us on earth just to eat, drink and consume resources. God purposed that we work. Produce. Achieve. And make a difference. This is true both physically and spiritually. (2Thess. 3:10; Eph. 4:12). God needs Kingdom workers. Those who will abound in producing spiritual fruit to the glory of God (1 Cor. 15:58; Col. 1:10)
(2) Good Friends.
“Friendship is probably the greatest support system in the world,” Jim observed, “so don’t deny yourself the time to develop it. Nothing can match it. It’s extraordinary in its benefit.”
The Bible has a good bit to say about friends and friendship. Pick godly friends who share your values. “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Prov. 12:26).
True friendship should be reciprocal and can result in a fraternal relationship.”A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. Prov 18:24).
However, some friends are just not worth the trouble they bring. The wise man warned, “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared” (Prov. 22:24-25).
(3) Your Culture.
Culture involves a way of life. Beliefs. Behaviors. And Values. Christians are blessed with a rich spiritual heritage founded in Biblical values and exemplified in Jesus Christ.
Rohn’s comment on culture has a great application to the culture of the Christian community “The uniqueness of all of us, when blended together, brings vitality, energy, power, influence, and rightness to the world.”
(4) Spirituality.
God created mankind with a spiritual nature. It separates us from the animal kingdom. To deny it, is to deny the Divine nature of the Creator. The good life is the God-life. Jesus promised, “I have come in order that you might have life — life in all its fullness” (Jn. 10:10, TEV).
(5) Don’t miss anything.
Rohn advised “live a vital life…Go see everything and experience all that you possibly can.” God created a wonderful world for us to enjoy. He blessed us with beauty. Stunning sunsets. Magnificent mountains. Vast oceans. And splendor of the sun, moon and stars.
However, I am reminded of the wise man who experienced the riches of life and concluded that when all was said and done, the whole of man was to “fear God and keep His commandments.” By all means don’t miss the message of God’s Word
(6) Your Family and the Inner Circle.
As Rick Warren is fond of saying “We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God’s purposes by ourselves.”
God gave us a physical family and a spiritual family. I have been richly blessed by both. My parents taught me the meaning of a good life by living godly. My church family has encouraged and edified me. My spiritual mentors have invested in me. Influenced me. And inspired me.
Following these 6 suggestions will help you enjoy a good a life. Oh, and here’s a bonus #7 from the Psalmist:
“Who is the man who desires life And loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. (Ps. 32:12-14).
It’s a good life! Have a great day!
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 