A fulfilled life?

Jesus made it clear that he came so that those who accept him might live a full life. He said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (Joh 10,10)I ask you: "What is a fulfilled life?" Only when we know what a life of abundance looks like can we judge whether the promise of Jesus Christ is truly true. If we examine this question solely from the standpoint of the physical aspect of life, the answer is quite simple and would probably be essentially the same regardless of one's location or cultural background. Certainly, the following would be mentioned: good health, strong family ties, good friendships, a sufficient income, interesting, challenging, and successful work, recognition from others, a voice in decision-making, variety, healthy food, and sufficient rest or leisure activities.
If we changed our perspective and looked at life from a biblical perspective, the list would look very different. Life goes back to a Creator, and although it initially refused humanity to live in close relationship with it, it loves people and has a plan to bring them back to their Heavenly Father. This promised plan to divine salvation is revealed to us in the story of God's dealings with us humans. The work of his son Jesus Christ has paved the way back to him. This includes the overshadowing promise of eternal life, which we lead together with him in intimate father-child relationship.

The priorities that define our lives are significantly influenced by the Christian perspective, and our definition of a fulfilled life also looks completely different.
At the top of our list would probably be a reconciled relationship with God, as well as the hope of eternal life, the forgiveness of our sins, the purity of our conscience, a clear sense of purpose, the participation in God's purpose here and now, the reflection of the divine Nature in the imperfection of this world, as well as touching our fellow human beings with God's love. The spiritual aspect of a fulfilled life triumphs over the desire for complete physical-physical fulfillment.

Jesus said: “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and the gospel will save it. For what good is it for someone to gain the whole world and forfeit their soul?” (Mk 8,35-36)One could therefore achieve all the points listed on the first list and still lose eternal life – life would be wasted. However, if you can achieve the points listed on the second list, your life, even if you don't consider yourself blessed in every aspect of the first list, will be crowned with abundant success in the truest sense of the word.

We know from the Old Testament that God had a close relationship with the tribes of Israel. He confirmed this relationship through a covenant he made with them on Mount Sinai. It included the obligation to keep his commandments, as well as blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. (5. Mo 28; 3. Mo 26)The promised blessings that were to follow compliance with the covenant were largely material in nature – healthy livestock, good harvests, victories over enemies of the state, or rain at the appropriate time of year.

But Jesus came to establish a new covenant, founded on his sacrificial death on the cross. This covenant included promises that went far beyond the physical blessings of "health and prosperity" promised by the Old Covenant, made on Mount Sinai. The New Covenant held "better promises." (Hebr 8,6)...ready, which include the gift of eternal life, the forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit working within us, a close father-child relationship with God, and much more. These promises hold eternal blessings in store for us—not just for this life, but for all time.

"The fulfilled life" that Jesus offers you is much richer and more profound than a good life in the here and now. We all want to live a good life in this world - no one would seriously prefer the pain to well-being! Seen from a different perspective and judged from a distance, it becomes clear that your life can only find meaning and purpose in spiritual riches. Jesus remains true to his word. He promises you «true life in its fullness» - and now lets it be yours.

by Gary Moore