I am obsessed with better! As a young adult, I drove older cars that cost anywhere from $2,000-$5,000. I now drive something better. My wife and I started our marriage in an 800-square foot apartment in Lynchburg, Virginia. 18 years later, we now have a house with a basement and a pool! It’s better…because I am always looking for better, aren’t you? From where we started 18 years ago, I have a better marriage, a better understanding of the Bible, better clothes, a better lawn mower and, most importantly, a better jump shot! (I’ve been working hard to keep up with my teenage son!) We go on better vacations, and I even have better shoes. I strive daily to have a better relationship with God, my wife and my kids. I want to be a better pastor and lead our church to become better at fulfilling our mission. As you can see, I am obsessed with better–and I don’t think I’m the only one!
Years ago I heard Pastor Bill Hybels say that, “Life with God is better than life without God.” It’s an idea that has stuck with me for the last decade or so.
Why?
Because I believe this quote speaks to what everyone wants deep in their heart. People want better marriages, better relationships, better jobs, better homes, and better bodies. It seems that our whole capitalistic system in America only works because people desire this thing called “better.” Advertisers offer products that will make us look better, feel better, and give us a better quality of life. They succeed.
Why?
We want better. You want better. I want better.
Aren’t we all striving for better?
The message of Jesus was simple. He basically said, “I have something better for you. A better life than you currently have without me.” In Matthew 4:17 Jesus said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Over the years, Dallas Willard has helped me to understand what this simple invitation means. He writes, “The kingdom of heaven is the effective range of God’s will. It is the place where God is active. The place where God’s will is done.”
The better offer Jesus gives is simply this, “Come live with me. Right now. Where you are. You and I, together.” The better offer is life with God.
What does that look like exactly?
Well for starters, imagine a life filled with abiding peace, love and joy. Imagine a life filled with rest in your soul that is rooted in a deep trust in God. Imagine having a lively hopefulness that stands firm even in the most difficult circumstances. Imagine a life free from fear, worry, anger, coveting, lust, and addiction. Imagine having the ability to quickly and freely forgive those who have hurt you. Imagine a life where you had the inner power to overcome temptations of all kinds, and where your natural instincts and behavior were good and right. This is the offer of an “abundant life.” John 10:10
This is better than life lived on your own. In fact, that is exactly what you must give up if you are to experience the better way. When Jesus said, “repent,” what He meant was to turn from living life on our own terms. He wants us to turn away from a life lived without God. This is the life most people are living, even those who claim to have faith in Christ.
A life lived without God is a life that is riddled with fear, worry and anxiety. A life of comparing and striving. Life without God is filled with deep insecurities. It’s a life of constant frustrations, with circumstances and people. It is a powerless life. There is very little inner peace and joy outside of life in the kingdom. There is bitterness, resentment and a tremendous lack of love for other people.
Jesus came to offer us something far better than this. It is available for all who desire it. When He said that “The kingdom of heaven is at hand,” He meant that it is within reach. He meant that you can grab it if you want it. If you seek it you will find it and Him. After all, God has promised through the prophet Jeremiah, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
Do you desire something better?
- What is your understanding, up to this point in your life, of what God has to offer?
- At this point in your life, do you believe that life with God would be better than life without God?
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