Most people are interested in living a long, healthy life. The good news is that God’s Word tells us how:

“Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. ‘Honor your father and mother.’ This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, ‘things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth’” (Ephesians 6:1-3).

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation” (Psalm 91:1, 16).

Also, Proverbs 3:1-2 says, “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.”

“Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left” (Proverbs 3:13-16).

“If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies” (1 Peter 3:10).

It is plain to see from these scriptures that God wants us to enjoy long, productive, fruitful lives. However, long life does not come automatically. You will notice all these verses have conditions attached. By faith, you must choose to believe God’s Word and obey it in order to reap the benefits of a long, healthy life.

A person who lives a life of sin and rebellion takes a great risk with his life because Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death. Satan will take every advantage to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Jesus, on the other hand, desires that we might have life and have it more abundantly. We can enjoy that abundant life when we honor God and obey His Word.