Is abundance the kind of life you are experiencing? If not… why? You didn’t expect it to be dumped into your lap… or did you? More importantly… precisely, how do YOU define ‘abundant’ life? Are you looking at abundant life in spiritual terms or secular? Both? A different kind of question is – is abundant for here and now or for later? Both?
First, remember that it is Jesus who first talks about ‘abundant life’. What I enjoy in His definition is that He compares it to what the alternative is – what our enemy brings: John 10:10
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” [AMP]
The provision isn’t ‘just enough’ but Jesus brings abundance to overflowing! Got Questions explains this as:
“Unlike a thief, the Lord Jesus does not come for selfish reasons. He comes to give, not to get. He comes that people may have life in Him that is meaningful, purposeful, joyful, and eternal. We receive this abundant life the moment we accept Him as our Savior.”
This is how we can define abundant: meaningful, purposeful, joyful, eternal. It isn’t measured by worldly standards. That’s why He tells us:
“Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21, AMP]
When we only look at the secular definitions, we can totally miss the message and method of activating. Continuing with Got Question’s response to the concept of abundant:
“This word “abundant” in the Greek is perisson, meaning “exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, a quantity so abundant as to be considerably more than what one would expect or anticipate.” In short, Jesus promises us a life far better than we could ever imagine, a concept reminiscent of 1 Corinthians 2:9: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” The apostle Paul tells us that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly….’
So what’s our dilemma in activating and acting on spiritual definitions? For some, it’s making a mistake or expecting more than they think they should. For others, they simply are unaware of what’s available for them. We should also be mindful of James’ admonition – asking amiss (4:3). And there are other reasons but I think the primary one is the reality that we don’t put the Word in it’s proper perspective. The Word is our guide… our manual for living… our answers… our standard… our comfort… our understanding. And those only scratch the surface. It is OUR responsibility to hide the Word in our hearts and the only way this happens is if we spend the time studying it.
At the same time, the Father is aware of our non spiritual needs too:
“Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” (Matthew 6:31-33)
We need to be on guard that the things of the world don’t ensnare us. Our thoughts should be directed toward the kingdom of God and His righteousness. We should never come in fear because He tells us in Hebrews to come boldly to the throne to find help in time of need. The Lord never exempts the secular… He just doesn’t want us to focus only on it.
If we want (fill in the blank: peace, joy, understanding, meaning, etc.) then we take the time to learn, to grow – Now. This is always our choice… our decision but nothing happens without our involvement. What price will you pay to stay ignorant or to grow? With each there is a cost, You always pay a price… But your choice can lead to abundance.
