How do you define “Great life”?

ByHanna Shiferaw

The definition of “great life” differs from person to person. Possessing much money and materials, owning a great job or firm, being famous, having great family are among some of the ways people define great life.

This great king called Solomon was a very rich, famous and wise man as there was no one like him. Once he said the following. “I stored up silver and gold for myself. I gathered up the treasures of Kings and their Kingdoms. I got some male and female singers. I also got many women for myself. Women delight the hearts of men.  …… I gave myself everything my eyes wanted. There wasn’t any pleasure that I refused to give myself.” Ecclesiastes 2: 7-10

King Solomon has the ideal “great life” that anyone can wish for. Money, material possessions, great job, worldwide fame, wisdom, all belonged to him. Unfortunately, he finalized his speech by these words.

“And nothing had any meaning. It was like  chasing the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 2: 11

His speech certainly cleared something. Whatever we posses in this world do not satisfy us fully. Those things King Solomon owned are undoubtedly important for life. We need them all. And I think it is healthy to wish to own them. But, it is foolish to look for happiness and satisfaction from them.

Thus, what is your definition about “great life”? Great life owns rest, peace, satisfaction, happiness and fulfillment. No one can live a “great life” without them. And these things are found in only one place.   

Jesus was asked about the way of living a life full of peace and rest. And he answered; “I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6. No one can achieve a peaceful, happy, fulfilled and satisfied life without following Jesus. Despite their enormous possessions, many people who seemed to have “great life” have a wide emptiness inside their heart. The more they get the possessions, the more they want them and the more unsettled and unfulfilled they are. We need God. There is no one like him to satisfy, fulfill and secure us. He loves us deeply and unconditionally.

Therefore, do you want great life? Following Jesus is the only way. You will have a fulfilled, settled and satisfied life.