“Abundant Living”
Rev. Everett R. Kimble, Sr.
“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 (John 10:10, KJV).”
God has a plan of love and power for your life. Satan, on the other hand, has a plan of death and destruction for you. God’s plan is rooted in obedience Satan’s plan is rooted in indulgence. The struggle for us is recognizing and understanding which plan we are following.
The plan of God emanates from deep within our souls, and it empowers us to press on despite the condition of the world around us. When we are sick, we take comfort because we know that God is a healer. When a job loss or financial hardship hits us, we are confident because we know that God will provide. When relationships and communication are in chaos at home, we look to Him because we know that He is a fixer. And when it looks as if the answer may not come we are at peace because we know that He is an on-time God. Because we are rooted and grounded in God, we gain our strength from His spirit that lives in us. This is what it means to have “the abundant life.”
Satan plans however, is to lure us in by feeding our selfish desires, a new car, a big house, a big payday, fame, recognition, and the big seat at the table. And while having some or all of these things is not an indication that you are on the wrong path, the wrong attitude about having and getting these things is. If you believe that the abundant life is all about things, that’s the wrong attitude. So, what can you do to make sure you are seeking the abundant life God has for you?
First, make sure you know and have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul says that everything that he does is so that he may “know Christ, the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering.” (Philippians 3:10, KJV)
Next, knowing Him means putting your trust in Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds you to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path.”
And finally, just love Him. Jesus says in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Bottom line, if you spend your time getting to know Jesus, it will be easy to trust Him, and when you trust Him loving and obeying Him becomes natural. Fellowship with Jesus is the abundant life.
It is safe to say that Satan is going to try and steal your joy and break your fellowship with Jesus, but here is my encouragement for you; resist selfish indulgence, maintain your obedience, engage in benevolence and the abundant life will be all yours.
Have an abundantly blessed and beautiful Friday!
