13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom – James 3:13
What is it like to live the good life? If we really wanted to sit down and listen, what we would hear is that the definition of a good life changes with each person we ask. Some think a good life is in financial security, others might say the love of a family, being retired, working hard, the answers are endless. You probably have your own ideas of what a good life is, and perhaps those ideas have changed over time.
In the wisdom of James the apostle, the understanding of a good life is based on wisdom. If we were to examine the apostle’s understanding of wisdom, what we would find is the divide that happens within. If we pursue the good life by envy and selfish ambition the apostle says we are seeking disorder and wickedness. In these pursuits we often cast out truth, and spend our time focused on the things this world has to offer. The alternative offered by the apostle, is to search within to see that we are basing our life on a wisdom born out of gentleness and peace. Thus, the good life, in the eyes of the apostle, is full of mercy, grace, and peace.
When we base our ideas of a good life on those things that show mercy, offer grace, and seek peace, we find a good life has much less to do with what we can attain, and so much more on what is offered by the goodness of God as we seek a kingdom that now and everlasting.
How are we living the good life these days? May our life rest secure in the loving, peaceful arms of our savior.
Grace & Peace,
Sam