7 Signs You're Living the Good Life

The Global Flourishing Study surveyed 200,000 adults over five years across 22 countries in hopes of better understanding what leads to a more satisfying life. Surprisingly, the study revealed that countries with higher GDP often had lower “composite flourishing” scores. These scores measure flourishing in self-rated happiness, health, meaning, character, relationships, and financial security. 

Shockingly, middle and low-income countries such as Mexico and Kenya, with a per capita GDP of under $1,200, have higher composite scores than richer nations such as the US, Sweden, Germany, and more! Money is not the path to happiness. These poorer nations score lower on financial security, education, and life evaluation, but they make up for this in positive emotions, feeling a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives, character and virtue, social connection, and relationships. 

Interestingly, the items rated higher in these less affluent nations are all ideals God’s word points us to live our lives for. God says rejoice with him (Philippians 4:4). He desires that our lives be covered in positive emotions, not weighed by constant stress. Amazingly, this survey exposes the truth that even with less financial security, there is space for joy. The Bible teaches that gathering and living in community is vital to our faith and well-being (Hebrews 10:24-25). He calls us to live with the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Following Jesus is a quick way to a flourishing life! 

Japan had one of the lowest mean scores for flourishing despite its high GDP and long life expectancy, but its more material and humanistic culture distracts from the things in life that actually bring contentment. The report clarifies that the countries with the most money and longevity have achieved these things, but have given up much of what constitutes a good life. 

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The Global Flourishing Study found a strong connection between religion and flourishing. There was a 0.81 gap on a 10-point scale between those who attend religious services regularly and those who never attend. Those with a religious background tended to do more of the things that led to more positive feelings in their lives, such as serve others, volunteer, and add meaning to their lives. 

Faith-filled living offers us motivation, accountability, and guidance for life! Left on our own, we tend to waste our days foolishly chasing after things that ultimately are meaningless. Proverbs 14:12 warns that there is a way that seems right to man but leads to destruction. God’s narrow way leads us to abundant life on Earth and in the life to come. Other research also confirms that faith is beneficial for humanity. Being a part of a faith community boosts health, well-being, and more! There are so many practical benefits to finding God and orienting your life around his ways. Colossians 2:7 says, 

“Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” 

Our faith grounds us, gives meaning to our lives, reminds us to be thankful, offers us chances to keep learning and growing, and pushes us to forgive when life gets painful. It is a constant source of hope amid a chaotic world. Life is harsh, painful, selfish, and void of meaning without faith. Faith in a good God greater than us fuels the sustained good life. 

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Purpose leads to longer lives, more sleep, a stronger immune system, lower stress, and better cognitive function. When we have a better sense of purpose, we tend to better care for ourselves. We engage in self-care practices such as regular exercise and better eating habits, and are more proactive about our health. When we feel needed in this life, we are more engaged in the business of living. 

Having a purpose protects our mental health. When we see a reason for our actions, we are less likely to experience anxiety and depression. As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to know God has made us each on purpose and for a purpose. Matthew 28:19-20 says,

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Believers are charged with the mission to share God’s good news with as many as are willing to hear it. We are the light to push back the darkness. We are called to serve one another in love and care for those who are in need. Christianity calls us to be intentional with our lives, as we have been fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving God. 

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Community provides essential components to living a good life! Feeling a part of a group, well supported, and sharing values with others ultimately brings us joy. We feel less stressed when we have others to rely on, who guard our minds and bodies.

Being a part of a faith community is a great way to gain a strong community. Some of the best people I’ve ever met attend church alongside me. The shared belief in God lends to supportive and unified relationships. With so much of our more affluent world utilizing the Internet for community, it begs the question of whether online communities offer the same support as in-person connections. 

In-person communities produce more intimacy through face-to-face interactions, but online groups can connect those who live far apart but share a need, experience, or belief. Online interactions can enhance our connections, but can't replace in-person meetings and relationships. There is a level of connection that is uniquely built through being with another person while interacting alongside a group. 

This may be one reason why, in the Global Flourishing Study, higher GDP did not equal a better life. So much of the affluent world has traded in-person experiences for virtual relationships. While there is convenience in working from home, meeting friends and family from other parts of the country via Zoom, and asking questions on Facebook, it does not create the types of connections that bring the same level of joy as in-person community. 

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We’ve all heard the idea of YOLO (You Only Live Once) as an excuse for bad behavior. It turns out that the best way to live one's life is by being a person of character. The Bible calls this the “Fruits of the Spirit,” by which there is no law. This means no one will be offended by your exhibiting these character traits. Galatians 5:22-26 states,

”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

When we uphold goodness in our lives, the fruit we receive is a sense of pride in who we are and who we are becoming. Regrets are few and far between when we live in a way that promotes beauty and holiness. Living this way’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. 

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American culture and many others primarily focused on wealth make it almost impossible to remain as connected as we need to be as a family. In the United States, we have little to no maternity and paternity leave, limited options for quality and affordable childcare, and a very demanding work culture. 

Having kids, a spouse, brothers, sisters, aging parents, and more all require much from us. For the most part, these relationships offer us a great sense of comfort, belonging, and purpose, but we are being pulled away from our homes to keep up with our culture's financial demands. 

I know firsthand that to be a family that is even a little bit more connected and not as fueled by the constant chaos of endless obligation takes a huge amount of intentionality, privilege, and ultimately many sacrifices. Yet, I also know that I will never regret having built a life centered on our home and the relationships inside it. We may not have every financial advantage, but we have each other, and it turns out that what we need more than stuff is a sense of being us. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, 

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Fundamental to the Christian faith is our commitment to family. Caring for one another is a part of how we remain faithful to the teachings of the Bible. It’s also true that those who live with others are happier than those who live alone. Sharing our lives, space, and resources is hard but brings greater meaning and joy.   

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Mental health makes a huge impact on how we engage with our lives. Unfortunately, we can have every creature comfort, an unlimited bank account, and all the followers online, and be completely miserable. Social media masks the reality that so many of us are struggling under the weight of anxiety and depression. 

After becoming a Mom, I struggled with anxiety and depression for an extended period of time. I remember being so frustrated because I saw all my blessings, I knew I had a good life, but I could not fully enjoy it because my mind was not functioning as it was supposed to. 

In many developed nations, we are seeing huge numbers of people being diagnosed with mental health disorders. The cause of this epidemic is hard to pin down, but something about our materialistic, entertainment-obsessed, and go-nonstop culture is causing our brains and bodies to struggle. 

Believers, we are invited to create rhythms of rest into our weeks (Exodus 20:8-10). We are taught to be still and know that God is in control (Psalm 46:10). We are to care for our bodies as they are a temple we use to worship God and serve others (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). These practices help guard our minds from the onslaught of fear, hopelessness, and more. We must be proactive to get the support and help we need when we are struggling to experience God’s goodness in the land of the living!

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