The Good Life
Dwight L. Moody tells the story that of after the Great Chicago fire, he traveled to New York for money. He heard that there was a rich man in Fall River who was very liberal with his wealth. So, Moody went to see him. The man gave Moody a check for a large amount of money, after which Moody was invited to simply climb into the man’s carriage where they went from house to house where other wealthy people lived in the city collecting money and more personal checks. When Moody was dropped off by the man at the train station, he grabbed the man’s hand and said: “If you ever come to Chicago, call on me, and I will return your favor.” The man replied: “Mr. Moody, don’t wait for me; do it to the first man who comes along.” Moody stated that he will never forget this encounter.
Being good and showing goodness should be one of the highest human objectives. When we live and act biblically, we are at our best and should never want to do anything evil or underhanded. The “Good Life” is not some life of relaxation and without any responsibility. The French use the phrase, noblesse oblige as a reminder that, for much has been given, much is expected. In our United Methodist Book of Worship, we are reminded to think always of others first. “Teach us, Ruler of the universe, to see people by the light of the faith we profess, that we may check in ourselves all ungenerous judgments, all presumptuous claims, that, recognizing the needs and rightful claims of others, we may remove old hatreds and rivalries and hasten new understandings, that we may bring our tributes of excellence to the treasury of our common humanity; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Amen.
We can have a very good life right now, my friends. And that good life is not the one that all the commercials proclaim it to be. Sorry if I am bursting a few bubbles right now. Those commercials that talk about only the right car, the right house, right vacation spot, the right phone (these commercials are seemingly every other one) or technology or even the right beer or wine will bring true happiness. The Good Life is that life that we live that has the goodness of Jesus at his core, in its center. The knowledge that Almighty God has created you and me for Himself. Giving all of us potential which can be fulfilled.
You hear me recite most Sunday’s, as we close worship, with a benediction and my favorite passage of Scripture from Matthew 5 and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount where he proclaims, “You are the light of the world – like a city that is set on a hill that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a lamp stand, where it gives light to all that are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, women, and children, that they may see your good works, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
The Good Life is lived and is a life faithful to the teachings of Jesus Gospel. Let us not stray from this wonderful plan as we seek to please Him in every way, every day of our lives here on earth. May this be our prayer as we enjoy the summer months and the fellowship we share so richly here at Glenmoore Church.
In Christ,
Pastor Dan