while today

Everyone wants to live “the good life,” but what does that mean?  Many think the good life is being wealthy, living in comfort, or retiring early.  Some think the good life is one of partying and fun.  Some may think it is found in a very successful career.  How would you define the good life?  And how can you obtain it? 

Listen to these inspired words of David:

“Do you want to really live? Would you love to live a long, happy life?

 Then make sure you don’t speak evil words or use deceptive speech.

 Turn away from evil and do what is right. Strive for peace and promote it.” (Psalm 34:12-14 NET)

So, how can we really live?  First, we must control our speech.  We need to choose to not speak evil.  Evil words include things like gossip and slander.  It would include words that are spoken in a fit of anger that wound another person.  Things like these can make our lives miserable (by our own doing) and rob us of the good life.  We must also choose to not speak words that are deceitful.  Lying or misleading people with our words brings much trouble and sorrow.  On the other hand, using words that are filled with love, with truth, and encouragement will not only bless those around us, but will bring God’s blessings into our lives.

Second, to really live, we must turn away from evil.  We live in a world that is full of evil.  You and I must choose not to participate in deeds of darkness, and we must strive to not let it influence us or our families.  But it is not enough to turn away from evil.  We need to also do what is right.  We face the choice to do right or wrong on a daily basis.  If you want to really live, choose what is right!  Then the rich blessings of God will flow into your life.

Finally, to really live, we need to strive for peace and promote it.  How does one promote peace?  By being humble toward others, by speaking with gentleness and grace, by being patient with others, and by forgiving those who have wronged us—just as the Lord forgave us.  We promote peace by refusing to keep a record of wrongs and by choosing to not harbor resentment and bitterness toward others.  When we fail to pursue peace, we will bring a lot of sorrow into our own lives.  But if we will follow the way of peace, we will be richly blessed.  Those who sow peace will reap its beautiful fruit. 

How might we summarize these instructions?  Live like Christ.  Reflect His love.  Those who do will find true life!

—Scott Colvin