How to Live the Good Life

What if I told you that the key to the good life has little to do with gaining the right information? What if I told you the key to the good life has much more to do with becoming the right kind of person? I believe people experience the good life by following Jesus. 

Funny enough, he didn’t start a seminary, counseling center, or influencer platform on social media. He called apprentices (disciples). Jesus invited people to walk beside him and partner in fulfilling his mission. He said to Peter, Andrew, James, John, and the others: “Come follow me.” He’s making the same invitation to each of us today (and every day).

Those who accept the call and persist become new people entirely. The first disciples went from fishermen to fishers of men (Matt. 4:19). From tax collectors to miraculous bread distributors (Matt. 14:19–21). Who’s to say you can’t change too? From aimless to purposeful. From anxious to peaceful. From confused to confident. From timid to bold.

The Bible is not shy about the disciples' epic fails along the way. Scared in the storm (Matt. 8:23–27). Utterly confused by Jesus’ words (Mark 8:31–32). Selfish and misguided (Luke 22:24–26). Deserting Jesus in his time of need (Matt. 26:56). The good life doesn’t depend on you living mistake-free. They didn’t.

The Bible is also clear about trials. James was put to death by the sword (Acts 12:2). Peter and John were thrown in jail (Acts 4:3). As were all the apostles (Acts 5:18). And Peter again (Acts 12:5). The good life doesn’t depend on happy circumstances. Theirs didn’t.

The good life flows from constant connection to Jesus.

When the apostles were imprisoned and flogged before their release, they called it living the good life. They went on their way “rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name [of Jesus]” (Acts 5:41). And “day after day … they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah” (Acts 5:42).

The good life is yours right now if you want it. It’s full of ups, downs, and “help-I’m-about-to-drowns.” But it’s the good life because it's life with Him. You don’t need more information. You don’t need a change of circumstance. You just need to answer the call each day when you wake up and hear him say those same words: “Come follow me.”