What if Being "Good" Isn't the Goal?

When we think of the “good life,” images of epic vacations, large houses, grand adventures, and material wealth come to mind. The way God defines a life well-lived requires us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow him (Matthew 16:24-26). Jesus’ way isn’t nearly as appealing as the culture's idea of the good life.

Consider Jesus, the only perfect human, came from a low-income family, he lived as a nomad during his ministry, made no efforts to amass wealth, focused on serving and healthing the outcasts and brokenhearted in the community, made no effort to gain status or power in the conventional sense, had not material possessions, and trusted his Father for everything he needed! 

Jesus' life flies in the face of everything we believe will bring us happiness. He also angered the religious elite because he was not the power-hungry Messiah they were hoping for. He was a humble shepherd looking to show his love for us and illuminate the path to Heaven through his actions. 

James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

The good life is one poured out for the sake of the Father. It’s often painful and complicated, makes no practical sense, requires sacrifice, humility, and service, and is not at all convenient. The good life is not about us at all; it's about the God who lives in us and works through us every day. It looks like sacrificial love and forgiveness are around every corner. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 describes this kind of life as follows: 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes, hopes, and endures all things.

God’s love is one that embraces boundaries, considers others better than ourselves, pursues truth, and is long-suffering. This is what a good life really is, and ultimately it’s not at all about us but about honoring the God who made us. 

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