This includes depressed people, who don’t think they can have a better life; consumers, who hope they can find a better life in the riches of our time; those who chase relationship, trying to find or be the person who will give them a better life; philosophers, namely all of us who try to find a way to think and live that will produce a better life.
This desire seems universal, even in those who try to give up their desire for a better life –so that they…can enjoy a better life. Are we wrong to want a better life?
This universal desire isn’t wrong so much as limited, in ways that prevent satisfying it. The desire is wrongly centered on ourselves. That’s something we just assume, but the Bible says is wrong. Just because we want and need something doesn’t mean we’re capable of achieving it on our own. Just because we assume the universe is centered on ourselves doesn’t mean we’re right. How rare is it that we get through even a day relying only on ourselves for the expertise, services, and goods that we need?
We should ask better questions: What does life connected to God look like? How could I have that life?
That is the subject of the book Paul wrote to the Galatians. They faced the same kinds of problems that we do and they needed the same solution.
The Gospel shows that we can’t create the best life for ourselves—only Jesus could earn us that life. Our self-focused efforts have only earned us God’s just anger. The Gospel brings the riches we long for—being loved by God, having a bright future, being filled with peace and joy. Jesus is the one person who brings the best life—no wonder no one else came close. Living in the Gospel transforms our thinking and produces the best life regardless of circumstance.
By definition, we are connected to God through the Gospel so a life connected to God is, at the core, be powered by and dependent on the Gospel. Whoever helps us pursue that and see how to live that out is our friend.