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better together

by Eddie Moody, Executive Secretary, National Association of Free Will Baptists

The Good Life

“He lived more in twenty years than some who live to be eighty.”

I have heard these types of statements often after the death of a young person. In essense, they mean the person lived his or her fullest life, even though it was short. Isn’t that what we have been considering in this issue of ONE Magazine? How to make the most of our lives for God?

Most people are searching for “the good life.” Some pursue pleasure, others a successful career. Still others view the good life as doing whatever they want in retirement.

What is the good life, really? Solomon struggled with this question throughout his life, as recorded in the book of Ecclesiastes. His conclusion? “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Jesus also alluded to the good life in the Parable of the Talents. He indicated we all have varying resources and abilities, and if we use them well, we will hear “Well done!” when we stand before God.

It is good for all of us to examine our lives from time to time, consider our talents and resources, and ask ourselves if we are stewarding them well.

• Time. We don’t know how much time we have, but as good stewards we must do our best to redeem the time and use well the time we are given.
  

• Health. Some are genetically predisposed to conditions or maladies. However, we all can steward our health by not overeating, consuming healthy foods, and staying active.
  

• Relationships. Each of us has family, friends, fellow congregants, co-workers, classmates, and neighbors with whom we can develop meaningful relationships. We can share the gospel with them and pray for them regularly.
  

• Spiritual gifts. Every Christian has at least one. We can use our gift(s) in our churches, our homes, and throughout our lives. When we retire, some may devote even more significant time to using their gifts in ministry.
  

What does it look like to steward life well?

I can’t help but think of Landen, son of North Carolina pastor Luke Johnson and his wife Amanda. Landen did not have much time on this earth. In fact, he lived only 3,519 days. From the beginning, he was plagued by health problems. He was born with the rare condition primordial dwarfism, with only 30 known cases in the world.

In spite of his daunting health challenges, Landen developed many friendships. Though only a child, he had a rare talent for speading joy, noting a merry heart is good medicine. He lavished that joy upon others. When he passed at age nine, a local reporter noted, “A much-loved little boy is gone, and an entire community is grieving.”

You might say Landen lived more in nine years than some who live to be ninety.

What do we learn from Landen? When we use our time, talents, and treasure for the Lord, we truly live “the good life,” no matter what challenges we face.

About the columnist: Eddie Moody is the executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists.

*Read Landen’s Story