For a number of years, the University of Florida has offered a General Education Humanities course where students consider the question, “What is the Good Life?” They do this through close examination of relevant works of art, music, literature, history, religion, and philosophy.
I teach music but have been asked to propose a new course along similar lines. So, I’ve been reflecting on the subject of what is the good life. Specifically, I am pondering what I would want to convey to students and how it pertains to my walk with the Lord.
I am currently in the process of applying for tenure and am stressed and anxious about how the process will play out. If I am defining the good life from a list of things that I wish to attain: tenure, a dream job, financial stability, a happy marriage, obedient children, the respect of colleagues, and freedom from pain, I am treating God as a Santa Claus. He’s just a means to getting what I want in this world.
I must remember that He placed me in this job. My ultimate goal is to serve and glorify Him in my creative activities and in my relationships with students and colleagues. Therefore, I am reminded to hold my position and all of the blessings in my life loosely. It would be great if I get tenure (on my timeline), but if it doesn’t work out according to my hopes and dreams, I am good with it. I cannot presume to question his plan for my life as God works in mysterious ways and on his timeline.
What I can presume is that he’s a good Father who loves his children. He wants to bless us with “the good life” and Matt. 7:9-11 attests to that: “Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
“The good life” that Jesus bestows on us doesn’t mean that there will be no suffering, no testing, or no hard times. In fact, living in this broken world will include heartbreak and tears. It’s guaranteed! What’s comforting is Jesus’ promise in John 10:10: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
By “life,” He means a thriving personal relationship with Him that transcends everything that life throws at me. My relationship with Jesus enables me to appreciate the good things in my life. It also allows me to trust God and experience His peace in the midst of the hard things in life.
The questions I need to ask myself are: Am I living out this abundant life with joy and confidence? Am I faithful to communicate the urgency of seeking a personal relationship with Christ with my students?
Lauren Hodges
University of Florida