What Is the Good Life?

How would you describe the “Good Life”? There are no wrong answers unless you’re not being truthful with yourself. Go ahead—take that time to reflect.

The idea of the “Good Life” is something we all yearn for, whether consciously or subconsciously. It drives many of our decisions, actions, and desires for ourselves, our families, and our communities. But what does it truly mean to live the “Good Life”?

In today’s culture, the phrase often brings to mind things like success, wealth, health, and happiness. But what if there’s more to it? Jesus offers a radically different perspective on the good life—one that turns cultural expectations upside down. His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount redefines this concept, revealing a pathway that many might not initially expect.

Introducing the Beatitudes: The Narrow Path to the Good Life

For the past few weeks, we’ve been unpacking the context of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He presents a vision for what is often referred to as the “Narrow Path.” While we typically associate the narrow path with sacrifice, discipline, and purpose, what’s fascinating is that Jesus begins His sermon by describing the good life. But here’s the twist: He redefines it completely.

In Matthew 5:3-12, we encounter the “Beatitudes”—a manifesto of values for living in God’s Kingdom. In these verses, Jesus outlines a countercultural idea of what it means to be blessed, which He directly ties to living the good life.

The Upside-Down Kingdom

In the first century, many people believed that those who were wealthy, healthy, and strictly observant of religious laws were the ones living the “blessed” life. However, Jesus flips this idea on its head, ushering in what can only be described as an “upside-down kingdom.”

Jesus’ teachings in the Beatitudes challenge the status quo, causing His listeners—and us today—to ask a vital question: Am I in or out? Am I living by the values of this upside-down kingdom, or am I still chasing the world’s definition of success?

The Beatitudes: Eight Markers of a Blessed Life

Matthew 5:3-12 contains eight “Blessed are” statements that describe what it looks like to live a life aligned with the Kingdom of God. These are not suggestions or optional attributes for Jesus’ followers; they are essential qualities. The Beatitudes are character traits that open the door to true happiness and fulfillment in God’s kingdom.

Let’s focus on the first three today:

1. Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 5:3)

Here, Jesus isn’t referring to material poverty but rather to spiritual poverty. To be “poor in spirit” means recognizing our deep need for God, realizing that apart from Him, we are spiritually bankrupt. This acknowledgment is the starting point for entering into the Kingdom of Heaven. It’s about seeing our emptiness and receiving God’s fullness.

The promise attached to this Beatitude is profound: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The poor in spirit not only have the hope of eternal life, but they also experience the reign of God in their lives here and now.

2. Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
(Matthew 5:4)

This can be understood in two ways: emotional mourning and spiritual mourning.

In the first sense, those who grieve personal loss, suffering, or hardship are promised divine comfort. Life’s trials often shape our character in ways that ease cannot. It is through mourning and brokenness that God forms us into stronger, more compassionate people.

In the second sense, this could refer to mourning over our sinfulness—grieving the ways we have fallen short of God’s standards. When we come to God in repentance, He offers comfort and the promise of forgiveness.

3. Blessed Are the Meek

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
(Matthew 5:5)

Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness. But meekness is actually strength under control. It’s about humility and considering others as more important than ourselves. Jesus Himself was the epitome of meekness, yet He was never weak.

The promise for the meek is striking: they will inherit the earth. This speaks to a future reward in God’s Kingdom, where those who live with humility and selflessness will reign with Christ.

A Radical Shift in Values

What Jesus is teaching here is completely countercultural. He invites us to embrace values that the world dismisses—poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness. These qualities seem backward, but they are the gateway to the good life, a life blessed by God.

God Blesses Weakness Over Strength

Here’s the first takeaway for today: God blesses weakness over strength. Reflect again on the words Jesus uses—poor, mourn, meek. These traits don’t align with the world’s emphasis on power, success, and self-reliance. But Jesus turns this thinking on its head. True strength is found in dependence on God and living with humility and tenderness.

Conclusion: Rethinking the Good Life

In a world that glorifies success and strength, Jesus teaches us that the truly blessed life is found in humility, dependence on God, and a heart of love for others. This is the first key to the good life: embracing our weaknesses and allowing God to fill us with His strength.

Next week, we’ll continue exploring the remaining Beatitudes, each offering more insight into living the blessed life Jesus describes.

Let’s begin applying these principles now, considering areas in our lives where we’ve prioritized worldly strength over godly meekness and vulnerability.

Are you ready to walk the narrow path?