From our General Superintendent

A Great Life

DAVID WELLS

Testimonies are a valued means for followers of Jesus to communicate God’s goodness in their lives. Christian communities often use a variety of platforms to share their stories of faith.

Many memories come to mind of “testimony time” within the Sunday night services I attended as a youth. Diverse experiences were shared—from deliverance from things that bound a person to the joy of God’s provision in a moment of need. I somewhat miss this pattern in our services, but I am grateful for the ways people can share their stories today, whether during water baptism services or through video or online platforms.

Our testimony matters, and though at times the danger of being criticized for egotism or “over-sharing” is a reality, personally, I welcome the opportunity to share my testimony and honour the great life the Lord has given me.

I testify that I am grateful to the Lord for my roots from my natural family and, especially, my godly influences. My great life is rooted in their example, mentorship and friendship. Many people inspired me to be all that Jesus calls me to be.

I am also grateful for our family; the Heavenly Father has allowed Susan and me to be parents and grandparents for the past five decades. Not all has been easy. No one can testify to 50 years of family life without acknowledging the challenges and sorrows that accompany the joys and accomplishments. Whether grieving while saying goodbye to our first grandson alongside his mother and father, or experiencing the passing of three younger siblings in the prime of life, we remain very aware of the gift of life and its brevity—whether it lasts for one hour or 70 years plus.

Yet, in our diverse ways, the 15 of us continue our pursuit of loving God, loving one another and being who each of us is called to be.

Calling has always been an anchor to experiencing the great life God has for us. Since we were young, through various experiences at camp and youth services, during conversations and studies, and in private prayer, Susan and I have both known with clarity that we are called to know God and fulfil His purpose for our lives. The concepts that shaped us are:

Stirring up the gift of God which is in you (2 Timothy 1:6, NKJV).
Remembering we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV).

This sense of calling and purpose is not an arrogant self-appointment but the understanding that as good, faithful servants of Jesus, we will accomplish what the Lord purposes for us—no more, but no less.

Roots, family and calling have all led to being rooted in three core biblical convictions of the “Greats” in Scripture, which lead to living a “Great Life.”

1. The Great Commandment: Matthew 22:37-40

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

People who live great lives love God with their heart, soul, mind and strength, and their neighbour as themselves. Living for God with a “first love” posture is the only way we can live a “great life.” It creates wholehearted, whole-minded, whole-life followers of Jesus. This generates an outward expression of love for our neighbours that is sacrificial and servant-hearted. Such was the attitude of our Lord Jesus (Philippians 2:5-8).

2. The Great Requirement: Micah 6:6-8

With what shall I come before the LORD
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Living a great life requires us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. Wow, talk about being countercultural in today’s world! Culture drives us to angrily react with wrath and arrogance. But the kingdom of God has always called for upside-down thinking and living. The King, whose throne’s pillars are righteousness and justice (Psalm 89:14), calls us to be in right relationship with others by doing acts of justice, loving to show mercy, and demonstrating humility in our relationships with others.

3. The Great Commission: Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Our all-consuming, loving relationships with God and others, marked by righteousness and justice, provide the foundation for our Lord to empower us by His Spirit. Only then can we go into the multiple contexts and relationships we have and see others become disciplined, baptized followers of Jesus, equipped to live out the Good News themselves. What a great calling to live out, knowing His presence is with us each step of the way. Roots, family and callings will vary, but all of us can know the joy and significance of fulfilling the Great Commandment, the Great Requirement and the Great Commission. What a great way to live! “Thank You, Lord, for calling us to a great life marked by Your love, character and purpose. Amen.”

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