One Went Up and One Went Down

“You see, the cross doesn’t make living the ‘good life’ (health, wealth, and prosperity) possible. The cross makes living the ‘good life’ irrelevant.” – J.D. Hall

I both agree and disagree with J.D. Hall’s sentiments in today’s quote. First, the area in which we see eye to eye…

Whether you are a believer or not, living to satisfy your own desires is a hollow existence and a recipe for disaster. Just ask Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived aside from Jesus Himself. Because of his immense wealth and power, he decided to deny himself nothing: whether it was property, possessions, servants, or women. But guess what? He came up feeling empty, isolated, and totally unfulfilled. Worst of all, his once close relationship with God went down the drain.

As Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 6:33, we are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Now for where I need to “pick a bone” with ol’ J.D.

Far too often, we define the “good life” as enjoying good health, material possessions, and financial prosperity. However, in my humble opinion and God’s, those things are not a true measurement of a person’s success or value in life (see Luke 12:15). Remember the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man in Luke 16? Lazarus was a beggar, which means he was probably handicapped as well, and he was covered with sores. Not exactly the subject of an episode of “The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.”

Meanwhile, the unnamed Rich Man “lived large” in a palatial home surrounded by a gated wall. He had no unmet needs – physically speaking – that we know of. However, when both men died, one (Lazarus) went up and one (the Rich Man) went down. This world’s goods offered the Rich Man no consolation whatsoever in Hades, where he experienced everlasting torment of both his body and his soul. Meanwhile, Lazarus was comforted by Father Abraham himself.

Trust me, I’m not casting stones, because I live in a glass house of my own. However, J.D. Hall may have been better served studying Scripture, interpreting it correctly, and applying it faithfully to his own life. As it is, he lost his position as a pastor due to a prescription drug addiction and allegations of long-term spousal abuse.

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President