How to live according to the bible

God has given us some very clear instructions in His Word as to how we are to live for Him. These include the command to love one another (John 13:34-35), the call to follow Him at the cost of denying our own desires (Matthew 16:24), the exhortation to care for the poor and needy (James 1:27), and the warning to not fall into sinful behaviors like those who don’t know God (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8). Jesus summed up a life lived for God when a teacher of the law asked Him the most important of commandments. Jesus replied, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31).

Jesus’ prayer prior to His crucifixion also sheds light on our purpose. Referring to believers, He prayed, “I have given them the glory you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them” (John 17:22-26). Jesus’ desire is for relationship with us.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism says, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” A life lived for God glorifies God. We pursue God with our entire being – heart, soul, mind, and strength. We abide in Christ (John 15:4, 8) and therefore act like Him by loving others. In doing that, we bring glory to His name and also enjoy the relationship for which we were originally created.

Those who wish to live for God must seek Him in His Word. We must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to apply the Word to our lives. Living for God means giving up ourselves and desiring God’s will above all else. As we draw nearer to God and come to know Him more, His desires will more naturally become ours. As we mature, our desire to obey God’s commands increases as our love for Him increases. As Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15).

If you are a Christian, scripture is a big part of your life. Not only does it serve as a foundation for your beliefs, it is a resource that you utilize for reference, reflection, and planning.

There are several ideals associated with living a good life. People hear about struggles and setbacks and oftentimes lose sight of the blessings in their life. In many cases, the obstacles, channel strength and perseverance that we didn’t know existed. Ideally, a Christian, would turn to scripture and be reminded that hard times are part of life and bring forth unimaginable blessings. Generally, our culture, identifies best with instant gratification; however, that is not the reality in most cases.

The keys to live a good life in the eyes of God can be found by doing the following.

Relinquishing Control

Christians like to think they have more control than they do. However, the truth is, the Lord is in charge. Once we come to terms with the concept of letting go and walking the journey he has written, then living out the adventure becomes easier and more enjoyable. Ephesians 2:10 says it best, “For we are God’s handiwork, recreated in Christ Jesus that we may do those good works which God predestined for us, that we should walk in them.” Nonetheless, an individual is not truly following until they identify the control they never had.

Be HopefulProverbs 10:16 says, “If you live right, the reward is a good life; if you are evil, all you have is sin.” The daily grind can be detouring – especially if you are in the thick of a very difficult season. Each day it is important to reset, connect with the Lord and identify the things going right. Living a good life requires Christians to identify the goodness and positivity. Being optimistic and embracing the good with the bad, will create the hope you need to survive.

Pray For Others

Not praying for others is considered to be a sin. Samuel 12:23 states, “And as for me, I would never stop praying for you. If I stopped praying for you, I would be sinning against the Lord. I will continue to teach you the right way to live a good life.” It is important to always look for the best in people. While this can be discouraging, maintaining this outlook is a way Christians can live a good life without sin. Additionally, prayer is the main method of communication to God.

Wisdom is Learned Through Obedience

Doing good deeds for others and using the Lord’s wisdom is instrumental to living a good life. Proverbs 3:16-17 discusses this concept. “Wisdom gives: a long, good life, riches, honor, pleasure, peace.” Knowledge leads to wisdom. Therefore, studying scripture and assimilating the Lord’s words with experiences is a crucial way Christians learn and grow. Like Proverbs 19:8 says, “Grow a wise heart – you’ll do yourself a favor; keep a clear head – you’ll find a good life.”

Get Educated on Integrity

Use scripture to create a foundational structure for your life. As individuals, who have endured good and bad times, we assume that we know the correct way to live our life. We set standards which are mainly applicable to our own judgment versus the Bible – and ultimately what we’re learning as Christians in church. Living an integral life means abiding by the commandments and implementing those concepts and philosophies as our backbone. There are a number of scriptures that echo the concept of a life filled with integrity.

Deuteronomy 25:13-15 says, “In all your transactions you must use accurate scales and honest measurements, so that you will have a long good life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” And don’t forget Proverbs 1 1:1, “A false balance and unrighteous dealings are extremely offensive and shamefully sinful to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.”

Watch Your Words

Do you remember the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me?” I don’t like this saying because it’s not true. Words do hurt. The scars and bruises are not visible, but they are 100% there.

1 Peter 3:10 says, “If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue, and guard your lips from telling lies.” Words are influential – they can be life changing for the good and bad. Ultimately, that means think before you speak. As a Christian, and child of God, it is important to understand the weight of your words. Choose your words wisely and think about the way you would like to receive the statement you’re going to make.

Sacrifice

Sacrifice always leads to a good life. We are taught, through scripture, to sacrifice ideals and possessions within our life. Our Savior Jesus Christ sacrificed his son for the prosperity of others and wiped our sins away.

What is a good life according to the gospel? Our answer embodies these seven essential keys. One cannot work without the others. If a Christian breaks into one element, they must balance the others as well. No one will achieve a good life without understanding how to embrace a well-rounded mindset of all key points.

As you make your list and check off the ideals you must line through and/or embrace, remember your purpose and the God you serve. Understanding the full scope and maintaining an open mind will guarantee joy, prosperity, wisdom beyond your years, and fulfillment – which is a good life.

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