How To Live The Good Life

How does someone live the good life? In our day, the word “good” is a relative term. What constitutes a good life for one may be totally different than for someone else.

In our verse for today, Jeremiah addressed people who described to him what the good life was for them.

We will do whatever we want. We will burn incense and pour out liquid offerings to the Queen of Heaven just as much as we like—just as we, and our ancestors, and our kings and officials have always done in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. For in those days we had plenty to eat, and we were well off and had no troubles! Jeremiah 44:17

These people refused to listen to what the Lord had to say! Instead of walking with God, they, in total defiance decided to walk away from Him.

Did you notice how they responded? They said, “this is what our ancestors had always done.” Wow, what arrogance and ignorance.

Their Descendants did Commit to Serving God

After their descendants got settled in the promised land, Joshua spoke to them just before his death. They made the following commitment to Joshua and God.

The people replied, “We would never abandon the Lord and serve other gods. For the Lord our God is the one who rescued us and our ancestors from slavery in the land of Egypt. Joshua 24:16-17

Maybe they tore that page out of their history books. They said everything was working fine for them. They had plenty to eat and the life they chose to live was good. Until . . .

But ever since we quit burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and stopped worshiping her with liquid offerings, we have been in great trouble and have been dying from war and famine. Jeremiah 44:18

Jeremiah let these men and women know that God knew exactly what their actions consisted of. Not only them but their ancestors as well.

Do you think the Lord did not know that you and your ancestors, your kings and officials, and all the people were burning incense to idols in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?  Jeremiah 44:21

The prophet warned the people that God had put up with enough. Therefore He enforced the consequences of their detestable worship practices.

It was because the Lord could no longer bear all the disgusting things you were doing that he made your land an object of cursing—a desolate ruin without inhabitants—as it is today. Jeremiah 44:22

God will Help You Live the Good Life

The attitude Jeremiah had to put up with sounds similar to what many exhibit today. We can say it in different ways but it still means the same, “we will do whatever we want.”

People for centuries have done everything they could do to live the “good life.” And there’s nothing wrong with that as long as Jesus is in the equation.

We must remember that life, whether good or not, goes beyond our time here on this earth. If a person keeps living for the moment, they will miss eternal life with the Lord.

The 7 churches written about in Revelation each received a letter from Jesus. The message He gave to the Church of Laodicea mentioned three types of people.

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Revelation 3:15-16

The Cold

Those referred to as cold mean they want nothing to do with God at all. In Jeremiah’s day, the people were honest enough to say they were not interested in serving God.

I know people who would give the shirts off their backs. Along with their generosity, they are good people who each live the “good life.”

But they want nothing to do with the Lord, the church, the Bible, or anything they consider “religious.”  Their good lives will only last a season because Jesus said . . .

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.  John 14:6

The Hot

He also referred to the hot. People who love the Lord and whose lives revolve around living for and serving Him. This has nothing at all to do with being religious.

He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.  Romans 2:7

 The Lukewarm

These are people I feel sorry for. Many of them attend church and feel that’s all they need to do to please the Lord. Their “religion” is based on their deeds. Yet they lack faith.

Others put God into a box by justifying their sinful actions. They’ll say things like: “That’s the way I interpret the Bible.” Or “God understands my situation.”

Many of these folks feel they are going to heaven and I’m not saying they will or they won’t. I am saying, that is very risky. I personally wouldn’t want to take that chance.

What did we read in Revelation?  Since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out!

It doesn’t say spit you into heaven. It says, spit you OUT!

Lord, help us to live a good life. One that leads us into your eternal presence.

Check out these posts related on how God wants you to Live The Good Life.

• Enjoy Life To The Fullest
• Living The New Life
• Enjoying The Benefits Of Living A Godly Life
• God’s Plans For Your Life Are Good And Encouraging

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