I come that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)
Let’s clear up one thing right from the start: It is good and right and biblical to pursue the abundant life – not as the world defines it, but as God’s Word does. The world says the abundant life is a life that consists of our stuff; the Word of God says the abundant life is a life that consists of our Savior. You see, God has placed the cosmic quest for the abundant life in the heart of every one of us, but that quest must be rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ. As image-bearers of God, we were made by Him for Him and for the abundant life that can only be found in Him.
Far too many people, including many in the church, are seeking the abundant life apart from Jesus. They seek it in their professions. They seek it in their status. They seek it in a romantic relationship. They seek it in their wealth and health. They are seeking the abundant life on a horizontal plane, where they exalt what is created above the Creator. Only when we are seeking the abundant life on a vertical plane — that is, looking up to our Lord — will we satisfy the deepest needs of our heart. Only when we are surrendered to our Savior will we begin to enjoy the abundant life we were created to experience. We must surrender our hopes and dreams and goals to Jesus. When we do that, we will be set on a course that gives us the freedom, joy, and faithfulness our Lord has promised us.
How is it with you these days? Have you been seeking the abundant life horizontally? Or vertically? Have you been pursuing “the good life” or the godly life? Has Jesus been the source of your supreme satisfaction? Or are you seeking it in something smaller?
Think about it this way: If you have everything this life offers but don’t have Jesus, you have nothing. And if you have nothing this life offers and have Jesus, you have everything! To be sure, there is much to be enjoyed and celebrated on the horizontal plane of life, but it must never take the place of what can only be found vertically in our Lord, our Savior, and our best friend in all the world – Jesus Christ.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 