Good Life, Bad Life

Let him show it [understanding] by his good life… James 3:13

 

 

Good Life, Bad Life

 

            Our daughter, Angela, when she was young, found it difficult to see the consequences of her choices ahead of time. Her choices led to some encounters in which I tried to convey the seriousness of making good choices. We got into the habit of talking about the good life vs. the bad life. We taught her that her good choices would lead to a good life and her bad choices led to a life of bad results. She caught on and has made some wonderful choices ,enjoying a God-blessed life now.

            This simple lesson applies at so many levels of life choices. Here in James, spiritual leadership is defined by making right choices with wisdom and understanding. Right choices are those defined by God’s Word and often specific guidelines provided for us. Many decisions are no-brainers because God’s Word gives specific instruction. Other times wisdom is needed to discern what is a God-like choice with God-like results.

            Clearly, bitter envy and selfish ambition cannot produce good fruits for anyone involved. Contrarily, heavenly wisdom produces peace, consideration, submission, mercy—all kinds of good results. God’s guidelines aren’t given to make us miserable but because they make life work! James is attempting to teach that choosing God’s ways produces “peacemakers who sow in peace” and “raise a harvest of righteousness.”

 

—Kathy Bence

 

Choose the good life!