What's the Good Life?

What would you say is the purpose of life? What makes a good life?

About 50 years ago, a well-known theologian named Elvis said "My philosophy of life is simple: I need someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to."

The King was probably really close to the truth. The King of all Kings, made His purpose abundantly clear in John 17. This chapter is called "The High Priestly Prayer." Jesus is our High Priest - the One who goes between us (sinful man) and God (holy and righteous). In John 17:1-5, Jesus defines someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to. If we pay close attention to Jesus' words, we'll find our own purpose for living.

1. Someone to Love: Jesus called Almighty God His Father five times in this chapter alone! Three times, Jesus talked about the Father's love for Him, and in verse 26, He asks the Father's love for Him to be in His followers! Wow! God's love is more than a feeling; it's an intentional action, an unconditional sacrifice given to benefit someone when they can do nothing in return.

2. Something to Do: Jesus said He brought glory to God the Father by completing the work God gave Him to do. Did you know that you can bring God glory by obeying and doing the work He gives you to do? Jesus gave us a work that isn't finished yet when He commanded us to "Go unto all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15).

3. Something to Look Forward To: Jesus prayed that His followers would be perfectly united, so much so that the whole world would know Jesus is God's Son and that God's love is for real. Then, Jesus said "I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am." That's heaven! Heaven is for real. It's where Jesus is on the throne. It's where worship, fulfillment, peace, and blessing go on forever.

Do you have the good life today? Jesus said in verse three: "This is the way to have eternal life - to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one You sent to earth."