The Abundant Life

by Pat Hackney

In John 10:10, Christ says: "am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Modem medicine has been able to add years to life, but the greatest problem is how to add life to years. Methuselah lived 969 years; ( Genesis 5:27); but so far as we know, he never accomplished one worthwhile thing. Living an abundant life requires great effort on our part. We must begin by allowing Christ to be the center of our lives Paul said: "For me to live is Christ: ( Philippians 1:21).
Once we have accepted Christ, we should no longer worry in contemplation of troubles and expected defeats. Our attitude will make us a success or failure. Again, let us imitate Paul's attitude:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" ( Philippians 4:13).
Therefore, an abundant life is unafraid because fear is the adversary of a happy and successful life. Fear is overcome by placing our faith and trust in the Lord. The proverb writer states that when we put our trust in God, he will direct our path ( Proverbs 3:5-6).
The Bible also teaches that God has a plan and purpose for every person ( Romans 8:28); but God does not compel a person to enter into those plans.
The choice is left to us.

• The Abundant Life -Jan 29, 2006
• The Abundant Life -Jan 28, 2001