A simple life lived well

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Live long; live well”

Our Bible verse for today: “But we encourage you, brothers and sisters, to do this even more: to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, so that you may behave properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.” 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “A simple life lived well”

Have you ever read any of the novels by author Wendell Berry? I recommend them to you. Wendell’s stories are all about simple people living simple lives and living them very well. My favorite is the story of “Jayber Crow”. Jayber Crow was a man who settled in the small town of Port William and made his life as the town barber. But he wasn’t just a barber – he was a good one and he was a man with an endearing and engaging personality. It’s a fascinating story that draws you in and illustrates the peace and beauty that can be found in a simple life lived well.

In yesterday’s devotional message I wrote about the importance of having a purpose in life that has captured your heart, and which gives you a sense of meaningful fulfillment. I used the illustration of careers being considered by my grandchildren. But I want to be sure there is no misunderstanding about this – you do not have to make a lot of money or have a glamorous and high-profile position to have a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Not at all.

Jayber Crow was a barber and although his story is fiction, it is representative of millions upon millions of fine people living simple and quiet lives doing the things they love. That’s the point the Apostle Paul was making in 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12. While it is a fine thing to be a medical doctor, or a lawyer, or a successful businessperson leading a large company, it is also just as fine, and maybe even better, to be a successful barber, or parent, or butcher, or baker, or candlestick maker.

In his wonderful devotional book, “Soul Fuel”, author Bear Grylls wisely observed, “Having a true, God-given sense of purpose in life matters so much more than our profile, property, or possessions. Having enough to live with is a poor comparison for having something to live for.”

That is so true. Having something to live for is the key. It is the thing that will get you out of bed in the morning and keep you enthusiastically moving through the day. It is the thing that will give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and that is one of the factors that is held in common among those who tend to live long and live well.

What is your purpose in life? What is it that feeds your soul and makes you feel as if you are making a meaningful difference in this world? We will think more about this tomorrow.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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