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(Presented by Lisa Bishop)
Do you want to live a long, good life and enjoy the beauty that fills each day? I’m guessing the answer is “yes.”
There is so much advice coming at us at a rapid pace these days and there is no shortage of knowledge and information clamoring for our attention. We are inundated with commercials, podcasts, Instagram, and social media posts that tell us the ways to achieve the “good life.” Buy this car, have this job, make this salary, acquire this house, wear these clothes, marry this person….. The list towards the pursuit of happiness is infinite and the chase is endless. And whatever we look to to guide our “happiness,” whatever “wisdom” we consume on a daily basis, will ultimately consume us and have a profound effect on our hearts, minds, attitudes and actions.
That’s why it is important to look to God’s Word as we seek discernment and wisdom for our everyday life. I want to look to the Psalms as we pursue godly instruction to guide our paths.
Psalm 34:12-14 says, “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
The keys to a good life:
- Watch your words.
- Turn your back on sin.
- Practice being at peace.
Can you imagine what the world would be like if these were the standards? Surely we would all be living our days filled with more beauty and goodness. While these are not the principles of the world, as a follower of Jesus these are instructions from God’s Word and we are called to live by these truths.
If you were to examine your words, do you speak with integrity? Do your words show moral character and honesty? Are they in alignment with Ephesians 4:29 which says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”When you are tempted to sin do you take the way out as 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
Do you practice peace as Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
As a child of God you have the profound privilege of living in a manner that shows the world a better way of living a good life, and enjoying the beauty that fills each day.