Living the Good Life

The question, "What is the good life? has been the subject of many philosophical discussions and writings over the centuries. Millions of ordinary people have considered it as they started out on the road of life. The author reviews some of the thoughts by Greek philosophers, but concentrates on the Apostle Peter's statement in I Peter 3:10-12. The tongue is a powerful instrument for good or evil. God gave us the power to make choices about the decisions life calls on us to make, but these choices have consequences. Many evil roads open up for us, and we must choose to turn away from them, and choose to do good.

Our happiness in life largely depends on our being at peace with God, ourselves and others. This requires real commitment on our part. Christ promised to give his disciples a special kind of peace, not as the world gives. Paul spoke of it as "the peace of God which surpasses all understanding" Philippians 4:7. This peace comes from such things as: remembering God loves us; keeping our conscience clear; learning the secret of contentment; being satisfied with who we are; keeping contact with the Heavenly Father in prayer.

God promises, "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry." Psalm 34:15

The author concludes with some things his ninety three years have taught him. Life will sometimes be hard. God's law of sewing and reaping is unalterable. Need for people in his life. All need meaningful work. Our self-respect affects how others regard us. We all have a need for something to look forward to. God can be trusted. We don't know what tomorrow may bring.