Summer has a way of drawing us toward what we imagine the “good life” looks like. Warm weather, long evenings, maybe a vacation. A break from the work of mundane daily life. For many of us, the picture of flourishing is pretty simple: a poolside chair, a good book, a cold drink, and no urgent demands on our time. And for a week or two, that’s a gift.
But if we’re not careful, we might begin to hope for more than just a brief break—we start to long for a life where that feeling never ends. A life without burden, without pressure. Just ease and comfort. Relaxation. Escape.
Others chase the good life in different forms. A dream home, or car, or job. A healthy retirement account. Our children’s success socially or in sports, academics, and college admissions. We don’t often say it out loud, but these become our identities, the quiet ambitions of our hearts. They start to define what we think “the good life” looks like.
James K.A. Smith says, “Your desires have been captivated by rival visions of flourishing.” That line has lingered in my mind lately. What vision of the good life has been captivating your heart?
Because what if we’ve been chasing the wrong goals?
What if we spend our lives pouring time, energy, and hope into pursuits that never satisfy? Calvin once called the human heart an “idol factory.” That doesn’t sound flattering—but I know how easily my own heart latches on to things I think will bring lasting happiness. And they do—for a time. But only a brief time.
So if true flourishing isn’t ease, or accumulation, or success, If our identities shouldn’t be tied to our kids’ performance or behavior or success–what is worth our ultimate attention and affection?
Only One ought to be ultimate in our hearts. Only One is worthy of chasing with all our energy. Only One is safe to give us an identity.
If that’s true, then the good life is actually a life of spent worshipping Yahweh—not just for an hour on Sunday. Following Jesus looks like a life that prioritizes generosity, hospitality, and service. True flourishing for the Christian is no longer a life dedicated to keeping up with the goals of the world but dedicated to advancing the kingdom. A life pursuing God, pursuing others, and practicing His ways.
Jesus said that treasures on earth will rust, decay, and disappear—but the things of heaven? They last forever.
This summer, as you enjoy rest, fun, and family time (and I hope you do), I encourage you to reflect: Is the life I’m chasing really the good life? Or have I let something lesser take the place of God’s best?
Don’t waste your one precious life chasing idols. True flourishing is found only in Christ.
“Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?… Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live” (Isaiah 55:2–3).