Is there a difference between the good life and the Christian life?

One of the interesting discusssions in Christian ethics is "to what degree the good life as understood by philosophy and reason are the same thing as the Christian life when veiwed at its ideal?" The understanding of the good life is usually attributed to the Greek philosopher, Aristotle. It is roughly understood as a seeking for happiness to exceed unhappiness over the course of a whole life.

In a sense Chrsitianity seeks for ultimate happiness as well, particularly when we extend it into eternal life. However, in this world the Christian life often is quite different from the life lived according to reason. If we are following Christ's call for us to "take up His Cross and follow HIm" we will often make choices that may not lead to short or long range happiness. At least it will not lead to choosing pleasure over difficulty all of the time in life.

In a sense what I am saying is that there can be no such thing as a Christian hedonist. We may receive happiness over the long-term in life, or even for a shorter amount of time. But our goal must always be faithfulness in life and not a maximization of pleasure over pain, happiness over sadness. This seeking to follow Christ in both challenge and opportunity is the good life for a Christian person, even if it does not fit reasonable understandings of what is to be desired over all, the good life.

I think most of us understand this difference between living through faith in Christ and living solely by reason. A mother gives birth to a Down's Syndrome child. Her husband and she begin to understand that raising this child is a good, Christian calling in life. In fact, they look upon the birth and membership of this child in their family as being a great blessing.

A reasonable person might point out that very often in raising a child with any special needs that there is more pain than pleasure, more challenge than opportunity to enjoy this child. When their son/daughter gets together with similar aged children there may be a feeling of loss in knowing that their child will never be able to keep up with the others. But at the end of the day these parents of the Downs Syndrome child will say "I would never want our son/daughter to be anything other than he/she is."

The good life for a Christian may include many of the elements of the good life that everyone would come to believe solely through reason. But the Christian person may find that their life is "good" in having some challenge, experiencing some suffering, and realizing commonality with Jesus. At the same time the good life will include the promise that no matter what happens to us in this world, there will be a better life in eternity which Jesus goes to prepare for us.

What do you think the "good life" is? What do you think the make-up of the Christian life should include? What difference do you see between the "good life" lived apart from Christ and that lived with Christ?