What is Abundant Life?
How do you define abundant life?
Jesus spoke of abundant life, saying, “I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b NKJV).
The word abundance means, excessive, overflowing, surplus, more than enough, and more than sufficient. I suppose it’s not surprising that some people think of abundant life as overflowing material wealth. But we can know that Jesus was referring to much more than material surplus.
God Word assures us that our Creator has a plan and purpose for each of us and it's good and has our best interest in mind (Jeremiah 29:11). His desire for our abundant life was in His heart and mind before we were even born (Psalm 139).
In the first few verses of John 10, Jesus compared Himself to a shepherd who protects and provides for his sheep. The shepherd knows his sheep and leads them. The sheep know the voice of the shepherd, trust him, and willingly follow him. Sheep who have a good shepherd live life in peace and abundance.
Jesus also referred to Himself as the door of the sheepfold, and said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:9-10).
 Photo by Connie Wohlford
In contrast to all that Jesus comes to
give, the thief, who is the devil, comes to take away. Jesus wants to give us
more that just an ordinary existence. He wants us to experience fullness of
love, joy, peace, and happiness. Whereas the devil wants to steal all those
things, oppressing, and killing Mankind, who is the crown of God’s creation. He
is out to destroy all that we love, enjoy, and hold dear.
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In contrast to all that Jesus comes to give, the thief, who is the devil, comes to take away. Jesus wants to give us more that just an ordinary existence. He wants us to experience fullness of love, joy, peace, and happiness. Whereas the devil wants to steal all those things, oppressing, and killing Mankind, who is the crown of God’s creation. He is out to destroy all that we love, enjoy, and hold dear.
Speaking lies and negatives in our minds, shooting fiery darts, temptations—especially in our weak areas. It might involve our mouths, our moods, our time management, our health, and on & on. We could name many.
The enemy of our souls wishes to steal, kill, and destroy in every area of the S.I.P.E.S of the abundant life God has for each of us. Are you wondering what S.I.P.E.S. is about? I’m referring to the five areas of human development and life: Spiritual – Intellectual – Physical – Emotional - Social.
Let’s grow and live out each of those five areas God’s way. The first chapter of 2 Peter can help us see how:
Spiritual – know that by His divine power, He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (v. 3a). We have the Holy Spirit inside of us. We have our Bibles so we can get to know God and His nature, as well as how to live. And we have the precious opportunity to communicate with God through prayer.
Intellectual – We can experience abundant life through “the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (v. 3b).
Physical – We are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-28) and have been given great and precious promises and “may be partakers of His divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (v. 4).
Emotional – God gives us the power to develop diligence, adding to our faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and godliness.
Social – We can add to these attributes, brotherly kindness and love (v. 7). And, as the writer of Hebrews says, we should not neglect the assembling together to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25).
“For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ … (and goes on to say) an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” 2 Peter 1:8-11)
That everlasting kingdom is the ultimate provision of the abundant life God gives. When we believe and receive Jesus as our Savior, “all things become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17) in our earthly life. Plus we have Eternity with our Lord to look forward to as well.
Oh, and one other thing, we cannot blame the devil for all of our infractions. Our own human nature, which the Bible often calls our flesh, can lure us into sinning, thus sabotaging our living out abundant life. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” … “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:6 & 24 NKJV).
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I’m not saying that abundant life means a life of bliss with no hardships. The sheep have hardships sometimes too. They may get tangled in briars or attacked by wolves, but their capable shepherd is there to help and to mend their wounds, like our Savior is there to help us and to mend our wounds.
Question for you—Are you living life in abundance according to God’s design? If not, what could you do to experience a more abundant life?
The power of an abundant life gives one the manifold blessings of living out their very best life while anticipating a forever in God’s Eternal Kingdom. Also, the witness of one living in God’s abundance is powerful in drawing others to faith in Christ.
How do you define, Abundant Life? Here are some of the Facebook responses:
“The gifts of the Spirit in evidence in my life!”
“Life with God as He wants it for
us. A life of close fellowship with Him, overflowing with His love and help and
blessing. Turning around and giving that love to others, living for something
beyond ourselves. For His kingdom and plan and will on earth.”
“Knowing God LIVES in me, that He
purposefully planned in love for me (and all who belong to Him) to be the
display of His amazing attributes, gifts and anointing.”
“One filled with what we truly need
in life. God's presence, His wisdom, His teaching, and His provision. A life
that overflows with His love so others might see His glory.”
“Living in total freedom with sweet
Jesus and intimately experiencing His unconditional love in the Holy of Holies
with His Father.”
“Living with Jesus in my heart!”
“Life with God!”
“Unexplainable peace, through every
circumstance due to a personal RELATIONSHIP with Jesus.”
“Pure freedom in your identity
Christ Jesus...my cup runneth over kind of life!”
“Blessings from God.”
Your comments are welcome.
If you’d like, share how you define “Abundant Life.”
©Copyright 2019 Connie Wohlford
To answer your question my friend; in some ways yes. In other ways, not so much. I think this is true for most Christians though. As we grow in different areas of our faith life, we will find abundance, in time. In other areas, we remain a work in progress. Until the day my friend. God's blessings.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, J.D. and I believe we reach abundance without reaching perfection. Perfection will come when we step into Heaven's glory. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
DeleteConnie, I loved pointing out the five areas: Spiritual – Intellectual – Physical – Emotional - Social. The enemy will try to get at our weakest one and try to defeat us. It is a battle and I think taking our thoughts captive to Christ to fight those battles is my starting place.
DeleteYou're so right, Marilyn. We need to be mindful and on guard at all times. I'm glad you liked the five areas. I think that's important to be aware of too.
DeleteI believe most of us are gifted with an abundant life, although we don't always appreciate it. Our society has become so materialistic that it becomes harder and harder to be satisfied with the simple blessings of life. We need to beware of the enemies of pride, envy, and coveting. Yet, every day is a gift to be savored and appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what you mean by "most of us." I believe that all who receive Jesus as Savior are gifted with abundant life, though it will be different for each person. Walking with Jesus and doing things God's way lead us into and through the abundant life God has ordained for us.
DeleteI agree with Katherine in that the "world" doesn't encourage satisfaction of the simple things in life. But, I especially like this reminder: "The power of an abundant life gives one the manifold blessings of living out their very best life while anticipating a forever in God’s Eternal Kingdom." That's a beautiful thought!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie. I agree with you and Katherine about how the world seems to try to rob us of the contentment we should be enjoying.
DeleteI agree with Katherine in that the "world" doesn't encourage satisfaction of the simple things in life. But, I especially like this reminder: "The power of an abundant life gives one the manifold blessings of living out their very best life while anticipating a forever in God’s Eternal Kingdom." That's a beautiful thought!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie.
DeleteAbundant living is an area I've been studying and writing about. I enjoyed your post a lot because of the unique slant you used. I loved examining it through the human domains.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Candyce. I would like to read some of your work on the topic.
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