Christ promised a "more abundant life" or "life to the full [the max]" in John 10:10, but few believers achieve it or find this new life in Christ; they live defeated lives battling Satan and enslaved to sin and self, even their pet sin (cf. Psalm 18:23; 19:12-13), and haven't had victory over the sin which easily entangles them (cf. Heb. 12:1), so as to move on to inner fulfillment and meaning as a believer doing God's will--as we're wired to do. Being set free is the most rewarding experience as a believer and we gain power over our sin.
The abundant life is not about having more material goods, or even achieving the so-called American dream, or necessarily anything money could buy--Paul had it all (this life) and look at how he suffered! Jesus made the promise that if we "seek first his kingdom and righteousness," that "all these things shall be added unto [us]" (cf. Matt. 6:33). But what did he mean? Jesus never promised to meet our so-called felt-needs or wants, but only our needs (cf. Phil. 4:19) as God sees them to do His bidding and will--for we shall never lack God's resources to do God's will (cf. 2 Cor. 9:8)!
Dismiss the materialistic Christian who believes that the man who dies with the most toys wins! Jesus advised against storing up "treasures in this world" (cf. Matt. 6:19)! Material blessings are not evil per se, if they are God's will, though; however, A. W. Tozer wrote a book about the "blessedness of possessing nothing." Actually, Corrie ten Boom also found out we are richer when we hang on to things "loosely" and realize God is the owner, and we are only stewards of everything as a gift on loan from God (we are actually on borrowed time too!)--Psalm 31:15 (NIV) says, "My times are in your hands...."
There is a greater gratitude in the fewness of possessions (whereof we are now content to have little or much per Phil. 4:13; cf. Psalm 84:11), and a joy in giving, for it's "more blessed to give than to receive" (cf. Acts 20:35). God just wants us to cultivate a debt of gratitude and to be thankful in all circumstances, though not for evil itself, the opportunities it brings and that God trusts us with the trial to overcome it--for all faith must be tested as if by fire.
Now, what is the abundant life? It is the appreciation of life and the little things as the gift from God, and all it entails. You find new fondness and excitement in the mundane, and also the fortitude to endure trials and the endurance and ambition to work hard and not be lazy because you have a purpose in what you're doing. When you look at the sunset, or the wonder of the stars at night, or the beauty of a rose, will you scorn their Creator? Creation is filled with things to put us in awe and have to reverence God for His wonders and mysteries.
The believer who has an abundant life will find joy in the little things, like a portrait of a dear one, a piece of art on a canvas, or even in nature, such as the beauty of a tree, that only God can make. Everything seems to have meaning and gives the opportunity for serving God and finding joy and delight. Remember how Paul rejoiced even while in prison (cf. Phil. 4:4, says to "rejoice in the Lord always")--the fruit is that you want to share it!
This joy is an inner sense that no one can take away, and doesn't depend upon happenings, like happiness does, but is Christ-centered and has purpose. Christians who have a purpose and know-how God uses them and offer themselves to God are the most joyful ones--for a believer that isn't a servant is a contradiction in terms--even Christ came to serve (cf. Mark 10:45). We ought always to be abounding in the work of the Lord and to aim to please Him, our Master. If we are willing to do His will, He will show us what it is and give us the opportunity to do it and we will find purpose. Second Peter 1:10 (NIV) says that we ought to "make [our] calling and election sure" and this is the first step to finding purpose as a believer (everything to live on--nothing to live for!). NB: Christians are spiritually alive as well!
The key is that we are meant to find joy worshiping, and even in the little things--that money can't buy, especially relationships, i.e., fellowship (we use things and relate to and love people, not vice versa). We see God at work in the world and what man can to do with God's will and a purpose, so he's a man on a mission! Beware: "prosperity theology," or false teachers who tell you to cash in on Christ now, and if you don't have the so-called American dream or material prosperity and success, that you are missing out and are sub-par--who have missed the boat and the cut spiritually, and fall short. Many things, such as appreciation of fine art; music; peace of mind; knowing forgiveness; having purpose, drive, fulfillment, and meaning in life--these cannot have a price tag on them and are priceless!
The conclusion of the matter is that to be a "vessel of honor" and be used by God for His glory is the greatest joy one can experience, and this is not something experienced apart from the abundant life in Christ. There is comfort and joy knowing that Christ will never leave us nor forsake us (cf. Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5) and anoints us for His work. Let us have this simple prayer: Lord, melt me; mold me; fill me, and use me! There's a caveat to all believers: Do you appreciate the things God does give you, before asking for more, and are you a good steward of God's resources--relationships, time, talents, spiritual gifts, opportunities, energy, and money?
Here's the ultimate question: Are you hard to please? And so, in short, the abundant life to be experienced is the exchanged, surrendered, and yielded life (cf. Gal. 2:20) with Christ living through us as we yield to His promptings and will--the more enslaved to Christ, the more joy and freedom in Christ! The platitude is still valid: It's not how much of the Spirit you have, but how much of you He has! Soli Deo Gloria!
The abundant life is not about having more material goods, or even achieving the so-called American dream, or necessarily anything money could buy--Paul had it all (this life) and look at how he suffered! Jesus made the promise that if we "seek first his kingdom and righteousness," that "all these things shall be added unto [us]" (cf. Matt. 6:33). But what did he mean? Jesus never promised to meet our so-called felt-needs or wants, but only our needs (cf. Phil. 4:19) as God sees them to do His bidding and will--for we shall never lack God's resources to do God's will (cf. 2 Cor. 9:8)!
Dismiss the materialistic Christian who believes that the man who dies with the most toys wins! Jesus advised against storing up "treasures in this world" (cf. Matt. 6:19)! Material blessings are not evil per se, if they are God's will, though; however, A. W. Tozer wrote a book about the "blessedness of possessing nothing." Actually, Corrie ten Boom also found out we are richer when we hang on to things "loosely" and realize God is the owner, and we are only stewards of everything as a gift on loan from God (we are actually on borrowed time too!)--Psalm 31:15 (NIV) says, "My times are in your hands...."
There is a greater gratitude in the fewness of possessions (whereof we are now content to have little or much per Phil. 4:13; cf. Psalm 84:11), and a joy in giving, for it's "more blessed to give than to receive" (cf. Acts 20:35). God just wants us to cultivate a debt of gratitude and to be thankful in all circumstances, though not for evil itself, the opportunities it brings and that God trusts us with the trial to overcome it--for all faith must be tested as if by fire.
Now, what is the abundant life? It is the appreciation of life and the little things as the gift from God, and all it entails. You find new fondness and excitement in the mundane, and also the fortitude to endure trials and the endurance and ambition to work hard and not be lazy because you have a purpose in what you're doing. When you look at the sunset, or the wonder of the stars at night, or the beauty of a rose, will you scorn their Creator? Creation is filled with things to put us in awe and have to reverence God for His wonders and mysteries.
The believer who has an abundant life will find joy in the little things, like a portrait of a dear one, a piece of art on a canvas, or even in nature, such as the beauty of a tree, that only God can make. Everything seems to have meaning and gives the opportunity for serving God and finding joy and delight. Remember how Paul rejoiced even while in prison (cf. Phil. 4:4, says to "rejoice in the Lord always")--the fruit is that you want to share it!
This joy is an inner sense that no one can take away, and doesn't depend upon happenings, like happiness does, but is Christ-centered and has purpose. Christians who have a purpose and know-how God uses them and offer themselves to God are the most joyful ones--for a believer that isn't a servant is a contradiction in terms--even Christ came to serve (cf. Mark 10:45). We ought always to be abounding in the work of the Lord and to aim to please Him, our Master. If we are willing to do His will, He will show us what it is and give us the opportunity to do it and we will find purpose. Second Peter 1:10 (NIV) says that we ought to "make [our] calling and election sure" and this is the first step to finding purpose as a believer (everything to live on--nothing to live for!). NB: Christians are spiritually alive as well!
The key is that we are meant to find joy worshiping, and even in the little things--that money can't buy, especially relationships, i.e., fellowship (we use things and relate to and love people, not vice versa). We see God at work in the world and what man can to do with God's will and a purpose, so he's a man on a mission! Beware: "prosperity theology," or false teachers who tell you to cash in on Christ now, and if you don't have the so-called American dream or material prosperity and success, that you are missing out and are sub-par--who have missed the boat and the cut spiritually, and fall short. Many things, such as appreciation of fine art; music; peace of mind; knowing forgiveness; having purpose, drive, fulfillment, and meaning in life--these cannot have a price tag on them and are priceless!
The conclusion of the matter is that to be a "vessel of honor" and be used by God for His glory is the greatest joy one can experience, and this is not something experienced apart from the abundant life in Christ. There is comfort and joy knowing that Christ will never leave us nor forsake us (cf. Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5) and anoints us for His work. Let us have this simple prayer: Lord, melt me; mold me; fill me, and use me! There's a caveat to all believers: Do you appreciate the things God does give you, before asking for more, and are you a good steward of God's resources--relationships, time, talents, spiritual gifts, opportunities, energy, and money?
Here's the ultimate question: Are you hard to please? And so, in short, the abundant life to be experienced is the exchanged, surrendered, and yielded life (cf. Gal. 2:20) with Christ living through us as we yield to His promptings and will--the more enslaved to Christ, the more joy and freedom in Christ! The platitude is still valid: It's not how much of the Spirit you have, but how much of you He has! Soli Deo Gloria!
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