Each week, I post a Bible scripture to my social media. John 10:10 was this week’s scripture. As I posted it, the last part of the verse got me to thinking.
In John 10:10, Jesus says,
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Have you ever wondered what that looks like?
The word abundant means, plentiful, rich, ample, lavish, or copious. By the world’s standard, this is what living abundantly means. Our society is geared toward accumulating things in order to obtain a higher social status. A fancy house. Expensive cars and clothing. Toys of all kinds whether it’s a motor home or four-wheelers. The more you can gather for yourself the higher your status is in the world.
But what did Jesus mean when He said that He’d come that we might have life and have it more abundantly?
Jesus certainly wasn’t talking about wealth. He talked about the pitfalls of wealth in Matthew 6:24;
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
In fact, in Jesus’ opinion, an abundant life consists of so much more than wealth and material things.
Luke 12:15 says,
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
So, what is an abundant life?
Salvation is the most important step to experiencing an abundant life. Knowing that you will be with God in heaven is the most important decision you can ever make.
According to Jesus, abundant life is not based on money, but following God’s will for our lives. We each have a calling to spread the news of what Jesus did for us. If you want abundant life, ask Him to help you find your calling, and know that no matter what you go through here on earth, He will see you through.
And one day there will be a homecoming like nothing any of us have experienced before.
Abundant life isn’t having money and things; it’s knowing that the struggles of this world are temporary for those of us who have put our trust in the One who created this world.
Wishing you an abundantly lived life…
Mary Alford
Christians Read 