How to Create a "Good Life"

12:39:00 AM

Finding direction. Figuring out my life. Deciding what to do.

Creating a path. Making plans. Building a future. Calculating risk. Setting myself "up for success." These were all things that have consumed me over the past 10 years. My favorite verse was Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." I still love this verse, but today I realized I've applied it in a selfish way. I focused it on my plans, my prosperity, my hope, and my future. The truth is-- this life is not about us. It's about using our lives to bless others.

On Sunday I listened to this sermon from Central Christian Church in Las Vegas titled, "The Good Life: You're Blessed to be a Blessing," and realized that my focus has largely been on "creating a good life." For myself. That thought was unsettling. What's the point of creating a "a good life" if you're the only one that benefits from it? You can't experience the fullness of a good life if you're living for yourself.

Pastor Jud read a verse that really resonated with me-- 2 Corinthians 1:4. "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." This is a much more others-centered way of approaching God's plan for your life. It will deepen our sense of purpose and fulfillment. How can you use your experiences to help someone? How can you offer comfort and hope? How can you be a light in their darkness? How can God use you for something outside of yourself? Think back. Life comes full circle. In our own tough times we often ask, "Why is this happening to me?" 2 Corinthians 1:4 is our answer. Our calling.