A rich Texan was asked before he died, “Do you have a last request?” He said, “Yes, when I die, bury me in my gold Mercedes!” So, upon his death, they put him in his gold Mercedes and lowered him into a big hole. A certain man who came to the burial said, “Now that’s real living!” It’s amazing the ideas people have in regard to what constitutes good living. What matters most is God’s concept of good living. Therefore, what is good living?
Good living involves commitment to Christ (2 Tim. 1:12). You may have a good job, nice family, lovely home and good health, but if you are not committed to Christ, you are just existing (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4; Galatians 3:27).
Good living involves a vital connection with the church (Acts 2:41-47). Abounding in the work of the Lord is more than having ones name on the role! We must be connected with the local congregation in faithfulness, service, fellowship and worship (1 Corinthians 12:12ff).
Good living involves a separation from the world (1 John 2:15-17). You cannot commit yourself to Christ while living a worldly life and call it good living. We must live in the world without the world living in us (Romans 12:1-2). It is good living when you can say, “I am through with the old life, and I am now living for Jesus!” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 2:20; James 4:7-8).
Good living involves walking with God (Ephesians 4:1). Enoch walked with God (Genesis 5:21-24). Are you going God’s way (1 Thessalonians 1:9)? You cannot walk with God unless you’re going His way (Isaiah 55:6-9). God’s way leads in the “path of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3). We cannot walk with God and at the same time run with the devil (1 Peter 5:7-8; Philippians 1:27).
Good living involves fellowship with God (1 John 1:7).Our English word, “fellowship” is the translation of the Greek word, “koinonia.” A close study of the usage of this word shows that action is always included in its meaning. Fellowship is not just being together, it is doing together (James 1:22)!
Good living involves serving God (Matthew 4:10).Unspeakable joy comes from being a “good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). There was a time when Satan had us in his power; he was taking us to hell. However, Jesus went to Calvary and bought us for his own; He set us free from condemnation. Therefore, we should fall to our knees and cry out, “Master, I will serve you all my days!” Now that’s real living!
Good living involves cooperation with God in a worldwide task (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). We are not accountable for the lost, but we are responsible to them – responsible to share with them the good news of salvation in Jesus. Our desire should be like Paul’s desire (Romans 10:1). God’s work is the biggest and most important work in the world.
Paul knew the meaning of “good living.” It meant to him Christ and gain. He knew that death was not a defeat to the Christian. It is merely a graduation to glory, a net gain for the child of God.
