For “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:10-12)

Seeking The Good Life

There is always in the heart of a man the desire to have the best things in life. This does not have to be measured with possessions and fame but can be found in the life of someone seeking the character of Jesus Christ. Seeking the good things in life is the goal of all those who profess devotion to God. What they want out of life is to please God above all things. The path to peace is paved with the willingness to be set apart from the world in character, consciousness, and commitment to a higher purpose.

Peter and the saints, who were dispersed in the First Century, faced daunting persecution against their beliefs. The early Christians led quiet lives of service to the Lord, but the world could not abide by the doctrines of Jesus Christ. Fierce persecutions arose against the church, destroying the faith of many. The aged apostle exhorted the saints to remain faithful and live so that as they faced trials, the world could see the light of God shining in their lives. His advice was simple and direct: live holy before the world regardless of how the world treats them.

Seeking the good life in the First Century was to present oneself as an example of piety to the service of Jesus Christ. If the world judged the saints by their speech, they would have nothing to charge them with. A powerful lesson of Christian faith is found when the people of God know how to possess their speech to glorify God. Seeking the good life and good days is done by not allowing the tongue to speak evil of anyone and refraining from telling lies. This character is a prime example of how the Christian is set apart from the world.

Following evil will never bring happiness. God watches over all of humanity, and when He sees His children speaking evil, telling lies, and doing evil things; it displeases Him. The prayers of the unrighteous do not avail much. God turns His face away from those who do evil. Finding the good life comes from a relationship with the Lord. Learning how to season speech with the salt of grace comes from God. Doing good things is developed from the word of God. Searching for peace and working to maintain it with the world is learned from the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

The qualitative measure of character is found in whether a person wants to enjoy life or not. Peter says if a man wants to love life and see good days, he will follow the will of God. That is the defining point in life. Obedience to the will of the Father always brings about the best result and the most satisfying life. Christians face criticism from the world, but all that matters is that God is pleased. He sees, and He knows. If you love life and want to see good days: refrain, turn, do, seek, and pursue. You will find life is much better and filled with more peace than following the world.