October 4 | I Peter 2:11-12
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Living the Good Life
By Elaine Pierce
Dear Friends, I urge you as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. I Peter 2:11-12
What is 'the good life' and how do you live it? Doesn't everyone want to live a good life? Do you notice that this good life that Peter talks about is not lived in a vacuum - we live 'among the pagans.' Defining a good life may look very different to those whose faith is not centered on Jesus. Even though they may not profess Jesus as their savior, deep in each person is a God-created vacuum that can only be filled by Him. (Yes, Blaine Pascal, the famous 17th century French mathematician and philosopher, is widely credited with coining this phrase.)
What is the purpose of a good life? Peter tells us it's so that others see Jesus in us and they also glorify God! It's not up to our efforts that others come to faith - the Holy Spirit is in charge of that. But by living a good life - one that 'abstains from sinful desires' -God can use us to bring others into the kingdom
As I read and re-read these verses, I was struck by the 'good life' phrase. And then I noticed that he is not just talking about any good life - he encourages us to live 'such good lives ....that others see our good deeds and glorify God.' The goal of the Christian's good life is not financial security. It's not owning the nicest home on the block. It's not taking the most exotic vacations. It's not buying the coolest car. We all know that, deep down, in that God-shaped vacuum, those things won't bring us peace and fulfillment. But this good life that God asks us to live is lived in order that others are drawn to faith in him.
Is it easy to live a good life? Certainly not on our own it isn't. We are at war with our sinful desires, and it's only through submitting to the Lord and his perfect will for us that this good life is possible.
I Peter offers lots of practical guidance for how to live this good life. Every day we have the opportunity to do good and bring glory to our Father. Let's rejoice that this good life can bring others into saving faith, and let's thank God for a good life lived for him.
PRAYER
Lord, I can't live a good life without you. So often I chase things that won't satisfy. Help me to live a good life that brings glory to your name. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
Amen thank you Elaine