"Have a good day", is a common gesture used today as we depart company with our friends or neighbors, and leave them with wishes, that the remainder of their day goes well. When we consider ourselves, what a Good Day means to us, it usually makes us think how we may personally feel about the day's events. So what defines a good day? Is it when the events for that day went our way, or maybe no one was mean or ugly to us? It may be that you accomplished your goals at work so well you received a salary increase and a promotion. Maybe it was one of those days when all the aches and pains were gone and you felt physically great. For most people this would naturally indicate one having a good day. However, from a different point of view this would not necessarily indicate a good day at all; as for example a terrorist wanting to cause as much pain, agony, or even death to those who disagree with their beliefs. The same could be said for drunkards, thieves, or even swindlers; their list of accomplishments for a good day would not even compare to ours.

It should then seem reasonable to assume, that having a good day is based on the type of person one is and their objectives. We find the Bible records one of those unique groups of people in Acts 5:40-42, "And they took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them to speak no more in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." Most people would agree that getting flogged or beaten would indeed cause that day to be anything but a good day. Yet the apostles rejoiced, because they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for Jesus' name. The scriptures seem to infer that the apostles were also willing to suffer such a beating for Jesus' name. Since they were willing, then we should be able to recognize some of their objectives. One of which is to honor Christ.

This is where you and I come into consideration of this topic. Each day we have an opportunity to have a good day as a disciple of Christ, if we would just keep the objectives in our hearts that we considered during our worship assemblies and Bible studies. If we do this are we then willing to suffer anything at all for our Lord with a joyful attitude? This type of suffering may come in many forms such as health related issues, financial difficulties, or even offenses by people. Regardless of the issue that causes this suffering, it is the manner in which we respond to the circumstances that sets us apart from the rest of the world. When we willingly make decisions in these matters, that is according to the virtues of the scriptures, it may very likely cause us burdens we were not obligated to accept. Is it possible for us to accept the burden with such a loving attitude that we are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord with our meager sacrifice? We should keep in mind the example of the apostles, and realize we are not like typical people of the world. It is opportunities such as these that prepare us for an eternal life with Christ.

We read in Romans 5:3-4, "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulations brings about perseverance; and perseverance; proven character; and proven character, hope". This seems to be a scripture the world fails to appreciate. In many instances there are Christians that also fail to understand the value of dealing with our personal tribulations with eternity in mind. It is difficult to attain the benefit God offers from such challenges in life, when we become angry, frustrated, or feel sorry for ourselves. It is times like this when God expects us to shine our light for others to see how we respond to difficulties.

It would seem the critical element in having a good day is being prepared to sacrifice ourselves in those numerous issues that present themselves each and every day. Cultivating an attitude of not being selfish will go a long way with that preparation. Too many times we are overcome with anger, frustration, and selfishness, which causes us not to see what value lies in the challenge before us. This is a unique opportunity for the Christian to teach by example and serve our Lord at the same time. So carefully consider taking everything we have learned from God's Word, and all the edification we receive from the church, and each day take it with us into the world, and have a good day.

Eric