Not many
people would disagree that each day of our lives should be lived to the
fullest. How this "fullness of life" is achieved is open to many
opinions and interpretations. Many people take the secular path to happiness
and fulfillment, while others seek the "fullness of life" along the
spiritual path. There are many in-between paths for those seeking more of life.
Spring is a favorite season for many of us. The days begin to lengthen, and the sleeping land begins to shake from its winter rest. We also shake, trying to fill the "extra" hours of sunlight with the things we enjoy doing, or perhaps the things that just need to be done. Perhaps using every moment of every day and filling the days with activities is a way of "living life to the fullest."
When Jesus talks about living life to the fullest, I think he has something very different in mind. In the first 10 verses of John 10, Jesus addresses this important topic. He is discussing his role as the Good Shepherd and in verse 10 he declares his purpose on earth: "I came that they might have life, in fact, that they might have life to the fullest".
What is this "abundant life, life to the fullest" of which Jesus speaks? Could it be a life with a lot to eat, good health, all the money we want and few problems to bother us? Life in lush green pastures? Did He come to give us the kind of abundant life that is comfortable and convenient?
We must remember that life is not always green pastures and calm and peaceful scenes. Sin has caused a traumatic disruption in life that God originally planned for us. But Jesus knows everything about the sin and evil of this life. He warns us that we will suffer, but he has sent the Comforter, his Holy Spirit, to help us in the dark.
When Jesus looked at the Palestinian countryside, he saw each person's hunger, oppression, and sin and personal rebellion against him, as well as the peaceful sheep and green pastures. And in the midst of all this, Jesus spoke of the abundant life, a life lived to the fullest.
What did he mean? I think Jesus meant that having this "full" life, this abundant life, is living so close to him that we become one with him. Paul speaks of this imitation of Christ in the letter to the Philippians.
We need to adopt the attitude that Jesus has: empty ourselves, become slaves of Christ and servants of each other, humble and obedient. It means getting to the point where we completely remove our hands from our lives. Not even a finger remains in any activity or thought; everything is given to the control of Jesus. We begin to imitate Christ in our thoughts, actions, words, and opinions of others. We realize that we don't need more "things" in our lives; instead, we settle for what we have to have more to share with others. Prayer and scripture study become the top priority.
This abundant life that Jesus died to give us makes us want to share the good news with others. So we want to talk about "Jesus" with those who will listen. This change in lifestyle is possible thanks to the activity of the Holy Spirit, who gives us a new spirit that is in tune with God's purpose for us.
"Abundant life" is not about religion. It is not about the church. It is not about how many scriptures you read, or whether you are a member of the church or not. It is a grace greater than our sin. It is about sanctified and holy life. It is about the deep assurance that you belong to the risen Savior. It is a desire to tell your brother and sister about this new life.
"Life to the fullest" is God's gift to us, free and unconditional. So how are we doing in our desire to live a "full" life? And is Christ at the center of our efforts?
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