Secrets of the Abundant Life – Goodness

Ephesians 6: 11 – 18 (NIV): Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Can we live the abundant life and be good? The people on television who seem to be having the most fun don't seem to be acting very righteously. It looks like you either have fun or you are good. After all, good people are boring and who wants that?
Here's a reality check: most people fail to live the abundant life because they are defeated day after day by spiritual warfare. Paul says in today's scripture that there are unseen forces fighting against us. The devil and his forces are warring against us every day and we must stand against them or we will never experience the abundant life. Remember, Jesus said the devil wants to kill, steal and destroy us, but it is he, Jesus, who offers the abundant life. The devil is not our friend; he has nothing to offer but heart-ache, disappointment and ruin.
You will choose today to believe either the writers of movies and television shows or the God who created you. Paul says to put on a breastplate of righteousness. This means we determine to live righteously each and every day. Can we have fun? You bet we can – we can have more fun than anyone when we stay within God's boundaries.
The abundant life is not found running after what God has forbidden, it is found taking a stand for our beliefs, standing on our faith, and living in a God-pleasing righteousness that draws us closer to him. Anyone who tells you any differently is lying to you.