Real Hope: Abundant LifeSample

What You Get, Not What You Give

When you hear the phrase ‘living the abundant life’, what’s the first thought that comes to mind? Do you jump straight to John 10:10? ‘The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life’ (NLT). Do you think finances? Health? Influence? … or how your life can be ‘better’ because of your faith in God?

It’s great if you do, and all these things can make up parts of an ‘abundant life’ – Jesus has told us He is our ‘Good Shepherd’ (John 10:14). And a good shepherd looks after the welfare of his sheep. Today I’d encourage you to consider two other areas I believe make up the abundant life – the sacrifice of worship and the sacrifice of community.

Sacrifice of worship: meditate on Romans 12:1–2 (The Voice) – ‘…Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind’ (v2a).

Sacrifice of community: meditate on Isaiah 58:11 (NKJV) – ‘The LORD will guide you continually… You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water…’ A fruitful garden is nothing without a community to enjoy its fruit – it’s just compost waiting to happen. A spring = life. It shares its resources so all those around it can grow and flourish.

Perhaps spend some time writing down what living an abundant life looks like and means for you.

Written by NATALIE BENNETT