Good Life

The Way of Love

Dr. Mike 2024 , , , ,

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,   Ephesians 4:15

The good life is a simple life built upon the foundation of love. Many people will acknowledge this, but only a few live it out. Many books have been written on the subject. Many poets have expressed love’s benefits. Songs have captured many hearts. Movies have impacted many visions of love in action. Yet most people say it is impractical in their world.

We live in a culture where dog eats dog. Everyone around us wants to take from us and not give anything of value in return. If one lives long enough, one could easily become a skeptic. Yes, love is the exception rather than the rule. Sad, but this is how many feel today.

But what would happen if love became the rule?

What if, you and I formed a new committee? Included would be you, Jesus, and anyone else who wants to join us. Our purpose would be to live out the Love Way of Jesus.

Love, not as the world practices it. But as Jesus demonstrated love to his disciples (Jn. 13:34). Not a romantic, emotional, what-is-in-it-for-me attitude. But how can I add real value into the other person’s world? What can I say or do which will bring out the potential of the other person? How can I better uplift the other person? How can I serve them? Enrich them? Bring joy into their life?

Love is sharing a little of yourself for another. Giving a small portion of who you are without expecting anything in return. Giving like God gives. At first, it may be hard. But over time, practice makes love a way of life.

The more you live out the Love Way, the more you see and experience God’s grace. The more you mimic God’s character, the more you experience real, abundant living.

Yes, the Love Way enriches those around you. Draws you closer to the Creator of Love. And helps you grow up to become more and more like Jesus himself. The way of love really makes the world go around.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Live Well

Dr. Mike Life Tools , ,

Colossians 1:10

…so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…ESV.

live well1

 

When life is measured by one’s possessions, status, bank account, or influence, one has been swallowed up by the demon of pride – mankind’s #1 vice. The focus is on self rather than God which leads to missing out on His best. However, when our Heavenly Father is the center of life, one experiences the soulful riches of kingdom treasures along with the physical comforts of creation – the best of both worlds.

So, if you want to live well, to the fullest of your potential, with meaning and purpose, you need to know God better than you know yourself.  For the fact is:

You live well when you partner with God while you travel through time and space discovering who you are, unleashing your God-given talents, and fulfilling your divine purpose.

You live well when you take the cards you have been dealt with and play to win without excuses, self-pity, or shifting blame toward others.

You live well when character becomes more important than gold, attitude more valuable than muscle and love more fulfilling than intelligence.

You live well when wisdom replaces stupidity, grace supersedes tolerance, and godliness displaces humanism.

You live well when work is your ministry, family your sanctuary, and your neighbors the doorway to experience God’s love.

You live well when your word is your commitment, your integrity is your suit or dress for the day, and your primary concern is for the welfare of others.

You live well when you accept the season of your life, grateful for your state of health (no matter how broken you are) and walk in hope even though you are unsure of the future.

You live well by being generous with your time and money, speak softly with those who disrespect you, and are slow to anger by those who want to harm you.

You live well when you do good wherever you are, you are fruitful in whatever your hand finds to do, and you gladly glorify God who made you and allowed you to live in such a time as this.

You truly live well when you have totally surrendered to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and make His Kingdom your #1 daily priority each day.

You live well when you are true to yourself, transparent in your relationships, and add value without fanfare with others.

You live well when you serve along Jesus Christ who holds you in His Grip since redeeming you before you even knew him.

You live well when you learn to quickly forgive yourself, extend the same forgiveness toward others, and trust God to remedy the situation.

You live well by learning more about the Author of Life, His Story which unfolds each day, and your part within His Plans.

In other words, living life to the fullest, rooted in Jesus Christ, is to live well.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:

*  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
*  Great Business Emulates a Good God
*  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
*  Simply The Messenger
*  Unequally Married

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What Is the Good Life?

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms , , ,
John 10:10 ESV.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

How would you define the good life?

Married to the perfect spouse? Children who behave saintly at home and away? Neighbors who care for you and your success? Work that is fulfilling and rewarding? Material comforts where you have no needs? Physical health abounding with energy? Time to experience the beauty of creation and the fruit of your work? And (add whatever else you believe it will take) to fulfill the good life?

Does your life look like this?  Or is it almost the opposite? Yet Jesus came so we could have a life overflowing with abundance. Where is mine you may ask?

There are those who equate ones faith with wealth and health. If you aren’t healthy or wealthy, you must be lacking in faith (this is their erroneous self-righteous belief). Others are satisfied if only one area of their life meets their expectation. Yet Jesus came so we could have a life overflowing with abundance. Isn’t this what he is quoted as saying? Did he forget you and me?

The good life isn’t measured in quantity. Nor is it necessarily measured by external luxuries. Instead, the good life is the outer expression of an inner treasure. When we surrender to God’s Will and allow Him to fully reside in us, the outcome is His goodness being expressed through you & I.

None of us are good; only God (Mark 10:18). When His character is allowed to be fully exemplified through you and me, goodness shines. The longer we allow His goodness to shine through us, the more impact His goodness has in the world around us.

The good life is simply allowing the Triune God to fully manifest Himself in you and through you. The beneficiary is you and those you come into contact with each and every day. The more you hang out with Him, the more His goodness rubs off on you and others. Apart from His Spirit merging with your spirit, you will only frustrate yourself in the process. With God’s presence living in you comes the full measure of His Spirit which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Want the good life? Build a yielding, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, allow His Spirit to lead you, and you will experience the good life. And yes, the inner life leads to a pretty good outer life. But the outer life is simply the eternal expression of a good inner one.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:

*  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
*  Great Business Emulates a Good God
*  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
*  Simply The Messenger
*  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-2018 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved