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A life in abundance
"Christ came to bring them life - life to the full" (John 10:10). Did Jesus promise you a life of abundance of riches and prosperity? Is it right to bring worldly concerns to God and claim them from Him? When you have more material possessions, do you have more faith because you are blessed?
Jesus said, “Take heed and beware of all covetousness; For no one lives by having many goods” (Luke 1 Cor2,15). The value of our life is not measured by our material wealth. On the contrary, instead of comparing our possessions with one another, we should seek the Kingdom of God first and not worry about our worldly provisions (Matthew 6,31-33).
Paul is particularly well versed in how to live a full life. Regardless of whether he was humiliated or praised, his stomach was full or growling empty, he was in good company or bore his suffering alone, he was always satisfied and thanked God in every situation (Philippians 4,11-13; Ephesians 5,20). His life shows us that we get a life in abundance regardless of our financial and emotional life situation.
Jesus tells us the reason why he came to this earth. He speaks of a life to the full, meaning life in eternity. The word group “to the full” originally comes from the Greek (Greek perissos) and means “continuing; more; beyond all measure” and refers to the small inconspicuous word “life”.
Jesus not only promises us a future life in full excess, but gives it to us already now. His presence in us adds something immeasurable to our existence. Through his existence in our lives, our lives are worth living and the numbers in our bank account move him into the background.
In John chapter ten, it is the shepherd who is the only way to the Father. It is important to Jesus that we have a good and positive relationship with our Heavenly Father because this relationship is the foundation of a life in full. Through Jesus, we not only receive eternal life, but we are already allowed to establish a close relationship with God through him.
People associate wealth and abundance with material possessions, but God points us to a different view. His abundant life for us is abounding with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control, compassion, humility, modesty, strength of character, wisdom, enthusiasm, dignity, optimism, self-confidence, honesty and above all with a living relationship with him. Through material wealth, they are not given life to the full, but it is given to them by God when we have them given to them. The more you open your heart to God, the richer your life will be.
by Barbara Dahlgren
