Abundant Living in Christ!

             As I was reading my devotion this morning, I came across John 10:10, where Christ says that He came that we might have life to the full or as some translations say, abundantly.  I’m sure that I’ve heard that verse a million times, but I don’t think I have ever stopped to consider what it means.  What does it mean to have life “to the full” or “more abundantly”?

            It’s easy for us to describe what it does not mean because we live it every day.  Walking with Christ does not mean that everything will be perfect!  Our loved ones may still get sick and die.  We may still lose a job or be financially ruined.  Dreams may still be shattered.  Relationships may be torn apart.  In short, life may be a bed of roses, but you can be sure that the thorns will play a significant part.  Jesus told us that’s how it would be when He said, “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16: 33).

            If you’ve studied God’s Word for long, then you probably know that the reason for those “troubles” is because sin entered the world, and Satan still tries to maintain his evil grip on each of us every day.  So, how can we have that “abundant life” despite the sins and troubles that plague us in this life?

            The answer:  Christ!  In Romans 5, Paul makes it clear that Christ came to do what the Mosaic law could never do.  Death and sin reigned in this world before Christ came.  It entered through one man, bringing pain, suffering, and rebellion against God.  Then came Christ and with Him, the grace of God! God’s grace, through the sacrifice of His Son, frees us from the burden of sin, declares us righteous before the Righteous God, and brings eternal salvation.  That is abundant living!

Life in Christ is living to the fullness that God initially intended for mankind.  It is reconciliation with our Creator.  It is resting in His peace that passes all understanding.  It is being content in all circumstances, just as Paul was.  It is trusting in the One whose one desire for us is to reunite us with Him. 

Will your life as a Christian be perfect?  Absolutely not!  Satan is still prowling around trying to pounce on each one of us.  There will be hardships and disappointments, but remember this life is just “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4: 14b NIV84).  Paul says it like this: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (II Corinthians 4: 17 NIV84).

Keep your eyes on the prize!  Despite whatever this life might bring, the best is yet to come.  Knowing that and living daily with that certainty is life to the fullest.  That is abundant living in Christ!

John 10:10

Romans 5: 13 – 21

II Peter 1: 11

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