Abundant Life?

Posted June 8, 2007

A commentary by Amanda Weitzel

Too busy? Tired? Drained? Weighed down with the mundane? When you feel this way, do you think to yourself emotively, "There has to be more to life than this!"? Here's good news—there is. An abundant life is waiting for you!

Jesus Christ described one of the very important and endearing missions for His own life: "…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).

On a very long road trip, a friend of mine made up a short saying that helped us remember this scripture: "10:10, life abundant, abundant life." She and I used the phrase as a quick reminder and pick-me-up when we felt overtaken by the stress and troubles of life.

But what does it mean to have an abundant life? Is it having more time or more stuff? I find myself mulling that over in my personal studies and day-to-day life. Such an uplifting verse deserves reflection as we all struggle to overcome the humdrum in this world.

Here's a big secret. You actually know that feeling of abundance already. It's the feeling you get when you're truly passionate about something—art, good music or volunteering to help a good cause. It's that feeling that invigorates you as you look around on a sunny day and realize how good it is to be alive. It's also the feeling you get when God answers a prayer, often in the most unexpected way.

These are the moments that make you realize that real life is not found in material things. Jesus said that too: "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses" (Luke 12:15). Abundance has nothing to do with materialism and everything to do with acknowledging God's blessings and promises in our lives.

Abundance has always been God's priority for human beings. But we must be careful because our own sins—violations of God's law—can keep us from the blessings God has in store for us. Adam and Eve had the Garden of Eden. The ancient Israelites had the Promised Land. And we have the soon-coming Kingdom of God. In each case God wants to bless His people with physical and spiritual abundance. Sadly, when we sin, we cut ourselves off from the abundance He has to share with us (Isaiah 59:1-2).

What is the best way to find out how God is waiting to share the abundant life with you? Do what He says. Keep the commandments. Try it out! His way of life is full of abundance. To learn more about God's law, request or download the free booklet The Ten Commandments.

Once you know that feeling of abundance and where it comes from, you also need to know how it will affect your life. Acknowledging God for all the good things in our lives—the abundance—lifts the weight of life's troubles off our shoulders! It teaches us to rejoice and be truly happy in good times and bad times.

Remembering the words of John 10:10 has certainly helped me keep my focus and perspective on the joyful abundance that Christ promises. Maybe you will also find yourself thinking: "10:10, life abundant, abundant life."

Give it one more shot, before you bury your dream! VT