Living the Abundant Life

Watching the news may have you thinking about inflation, rising gas prices, and increasing food costs. However, long before these things started to occur, I was talking to the LORD about "an abundant life." Have you ever considered whether you are living an abundant life?

What is the abundant life? Jesus says in John 10:10. "... I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly." Abundant, according to the dictionary means something "in great quantity, well supplied with something, over sufficient, and richly supplied." Different translations of the Bible refer to abundance as "having life in all its fullness," "having a rich and satisfying life," and "having a life that overflows."

Many equate having an abundant life with material things - luxurious cars, large houses, designer clothes and an abundance of possessions. Others consider an abundant life to be one of family, friends, and relationships. Abundance is definitely in the eye of the beholder. Without a doubt, God blesses us to have the means to labor and work hard to acquire items that make our lives more comfortable. It's interesting, however, that if we look at the "abundant life" as having things, we need to also consider these words of Jesus. "Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19). Where does abundance meet excessiveness?

We can't talk about "abundance" without considering Solomon. God called him Jedidiah, which means beloved of Yahweh, and he was definitely one of the most blessed men in the Bible. "The LORD not only granted Solomon wisdom far beyond that of other kings, but He also blessed him with wealth, honor, and other pleasures. (1 Kings 3:4-15). We might not have 700 wives and 300 concubines (thank goodness), but our excess can turn our hearts away from God as did Solomon's. Consider what you have an excessive amount of right now. Is it clothes, ties, hats, shoes, perfumes, jewelry, cars, purses, sneakers, mansions, gadgets, sunglasses, watches, technology or some other possession? As we mature spiritually as disciples, we realize that the "stuff" we have doesn't really satisfy like it once did. What's stored in your attic, basement or garage? What can you give away that you don't really use or need?

Perhaps the abundant life is not about acquiring things at all. Could it be a Spirit-filled life of love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, patience, self-control, gentleness, and faithfulness? Maybe the abundant life is about our relationship with Christ and being fully engaged in sharing the Gospel, loving our neighbor, and helping those less fortunate. As disciples, an abundant life doesn't depend on our bank account or our worldly possessions. God wants to take us to a higher realm of abundance - having a life that overflows with His presence. That is the journey of a disciple.