Living the "Good Life"

John 14:6 says: "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (KJV) The word life is the Greek word zoe. It means a manner of life that is "the life of God" meaning that which God requires, a godly life. It is a blessed life; a life that satisfies, being indwelt by God but not necessarily favored by the circumstances. This means that having the indwelling Holy Spirit will enable you to live a holy life, i.e. a life that desires to obey God's commands to the best of your ability, while at the same time having to deal with problems. God promises not that we will not have problems, but that He will be with us to overcome those problems.

Today, there is a brand of Christianity that promises freedom from difficulties. I believe that such preaching is designed to fleece the flock of money. You hear: "send me $100 and God will send you a ten fold return." God becomes a cosmic slot machine that pays every time. Such thinking is an offense against a holy God. Do I believe in tithing and the giving of offerings? Of course! Do I believe that God honors His Word and will open the windows of heaven to pour out a blessing to those that give (see Malachi 3:10: " Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.") Of course! However, God pours out blessings in many ways. We in America have a tendency to think about blessings as limited to money. What about good health so that you don't have medical bills so high that you can't pay your rent or mortgage. Blessings come in many forms. Have you considered how blessed you really are?

Today, consider God's blessing in your life. Jesus came to give you the zoe type of life. This does not mean that you will never have problems; but it does mean that you will never be alone in your problems. The "God kind of life" is a powerful testimony to the lost. But don't forget that Jesus certainly had the "God kind of life" and it lead Him to the cross. Are you really ready for the zoe life?