Searching for the Good Life
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The following article has been excerpted from Called to the Wild by Christopher Lawrence.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
– John 10:10
When I first moved to Colorado to attend college, I packed as much adventure into each day as possible, including the spring trifecta—skiing in the morning, kayaking in the afternoon, and mountain biking in the evening.
I lived the good life, or at least as seen through 20-year-old eyes. Along with pursuing outdoor adventure, I also endeavored to know God. One of my favorite verses—then and now—is John 10:10, which speaks to living life to the fullest.
Yet this life can only be found through a relationship with Jesus.
As 1 John 5:12 says clearly: “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
We miss this life in many ways. We spend too much energy carving out “the good life” everywhere except in Jesus. Where we invest our time and money reveals our true priorities—a barometer of our deepest delight.
Often these investments disappoint us.
Yet coming up short does not have to be our path. Looking to Jesus, He frees us to live the life that is ultimately fulfilling and productive for His purposes.
In my own story, God has done exactly that. After finishing college, the Lord lead me to serve as a writer, college minister and outdoor guide—I never imagined I could be all three at once.
Yet my story has also included some less dreamy experiences, like being single until my early thirties and battling cancer.
Through each season, God has given me His life through knowing Jesus and following Him each day.
Everyone’s journey is unique, but we have the opportunity to use our God-given passions and interests to help build His Kingdom.
Beyond what we do, like the old axiom says, who we know is vastly more important. The theologian J.I. Packer wrote, “What is the eternal life that Jesus gives? To know God. What is the best thing in life? To know God. What in humans gives God most pleasure? Knowledge of Himself.”
We soon find that knowing God gives us the good life—the fullest life possible. Everything else is just a bonus.
Question
How have you experienced abundant life through Jesus? How would you describe it?
Prayer
Lord, I know that a relationship with you provides the greatest source of life. Please give me an undivided heart to fully experience the life you offer. Amen.
God is Not Tame
Called to the Wild is a 40-day journey filled with thrilling adventure stories and poignant Biblical meditations, through which outdoor guide and Cru campus minister, Chris Lawrence, helps readers overcome fear and self-doubt by learning to follow Jesus as their trustworthy Guide through life’s every adventure.
