Quality of Life

for The Hanford Sentinel

Quality of Life
by Andrew Cromwell

Have you noticed the simplest things in life often seem the most difficult? Just because something is simple, it doesn’t mean it is easy. We all know the mantras: keep it simple stupid, put first things first, measure twice and cut once — none of these things are rocket science, yet putting them into practice sometimes feels like it.

The other day I came across a Scripture verse in Ezekiel that says: “They refused to keep my decrees and follow my regulations, even though obedience would have given them life.”

It stopped me in my tracks and made me think. The verse is written from Father God’s perspective and is directed to the Israelite people when they were on the brink of being destroyed as a nation. God is simply saying to them, “If you would have listened, then you wouldn’t be in the situation you are in right now!”

Boy, isn’t that often true for us? If only we would have listened — to our parents, to our spouse, to our children, to our boss — things might be different today. We might not have had to go through the pain that comes from bad choices and decisions. But the icing on the cake for many of us is that we failed to listen to Father God.

I think what is interesting about obeying God is that it doesn’t only keep you out of trouble, it also gives you life. In other words, something is actually added to your life when you choose to do things God’s way. Proverbs chapter three says, “Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands. They'll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well.”

When we obey God, His power flows into our life in ways that we cannot experience otherwise. The Bible calls this the blessing of God. Jesus said that those who follow His commandments will live a life that is a higher caliber and quality compared to those around them. He likened it to a river of living water that would flow from within those who walk in relationship with Him.

The funny thing is, following God’s commands is simple — it’s just not easy. The good news is, God is on your side and He helps those who truly want to follow Him. He makes the impossible, possible. If He can make a dead man alive again, then he can take someone like you and me who can’t seem to get it straight and He can turn our life around.

We can’t do it on our own, we have tried and we have failed time and again. But we can do it with His life flowing in and through us. And that is true quality of life.

So the next time you are at a crossroads and have to decide which way to go, choose the way that gives life!

The pastors in Kings County would love to help you tap into that river of life. Why don’t you get in church this weekend and discover the life that God promises?