Less Of More By Chris NyeSample

Chris Nye: Less of More Devotional Day 1

“The New (Old) Abundant Life”

Scripture reading: John 10:1-18

We all want a great life—the kind of life that could last forever. This is why Jesus came saying, “I came to give you life and life abundant” (cf. John 10:10). His message was (and is) not primarily for the rich, powerful, and influential. His message is available for all. There is no life too broken, too lost, too disassembled, too immoral, or too selfish for God to miraculously reclaim. 

Jesus proclaimed captives free and poor people blessed. He told those who are meek that the whole earth would one day be theirs. He was constantly giving people good news. 

And the early church carried out the same gospel: sight to the blind, the wanderer coming home, and the sick made well. And the primary facet of this gospel message that made it absurd and astounding was that all of these things were for everyone. 

I believe a good life—a truly abundant, thick, and rich kind of life—is still available for every person on this earth. I just think it looks confusing and upside down when we first put it up against the common messages in modern life. But what if these messages are wrong? What if the Great Experiment of Living a Good Life is actually a failed one? That, my friend, would be good to know.

What if we recaptured a vision we have lost—a biblical vision? The new (old) story—the counter-narrative—is against our common mindset. But we need a new outlook, a kind of outlook on life that is surprising, terrifying, and yet still remarkably abundant and full. 

Sometimes I think society has both “gained the world” and “lost its soul.” Have you, perhaps, been feeling somewhat the same way about your own life? Are you ready today to open your mind to a new way of looking at the good life? 

Come along with me for a week as we discover how the path to a truly rich and abundant life has nothing to do with how much money you have and how much you have achieved. It has everything to do with who Jesus is to you.

How have you seen the Great Experiment of Living a Good Life under-deliver on what it promises?