What does God say about living a full life?

In the first 10 verses of John 10, Jesus addresses this important topic. He is discussing his role as the Good Shepherd and in verse 10 states his purpose on earth: “I came so that they could have life — indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest” (CEB).

citizen-times.com - Devotional: What did Jesus mean by 'life to the fullest'?

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Rev. Tim McConnell

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Not too many people would disagree that each day of our lives needs to be lived to the fullest. How this “fullness of life” is achieved is open to many opinions and interpretations. Many people take the secular path to happiness and fulfillment, while others seek the “fullness of life” along the spiritual road. There are many paths in between for those who are searching for the most from life. Spring is a favorite season for many of us. The days begin to lengthen, and the sleeping earth begins to stir from its winter rest. We stir also, trying to fill the “extra” hours of sunlight with things we enjoy doing, or maybe with the things that just need to be done. Maybe using every moment of each day and filling the days with activities is one way of “living life to the fullest.” When Jesus talks about living life to the fullest, I believe he has something very different in mind. In the first 10 verses of John 10, Jesus addresses this important topic. He is discussing his role as the Good Shepherd and in verse 10 states his purpose on earth: “I came so that they could have life — indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest” (CEB).

Just what is this “abundant life, life to the fullest” that Jesus talks about? Could it be a life with plenty to eat, good health, all the money we want and few troubles to bother us? Life in lush, green pastures? Did he come to give us the kind of abundant life that is comfortable and convenient?

We should be reminded that life is not always green pastures and quiet, peaceful scenes. Sin has caused a traumatic disruption to the life that God originally planned for us. But Jesus knows all about the sin and evil of this life. He warns us that we will suffer, but he has sent the Comforter, his Holy Spirit, to help us through the darkness. When Jesus looked at the Palestinian countryside, he saw the hunger, oppression and sin and each person’s personal rebellion against him, as well as the peaceful sheep and the green pastures. And in the middle of all this Jesus spoke of the abundant life, a life lived to the fullest. What did he mean? I believe Jesus meant that to have this “full” life, this abundant life, is to live so close to him that we become one with him. Paul speaks of this imitation of Christ in the letter to the Philippians.

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We need to adopt the attitude Jesus has: Empty ourselves of our selves, become slaves to Christ and servants of each other, humble and obedient. It means getting to the point where we take our hands completely off our lives. Not even a finger is left on any activity or thought; all is surrendered to the control of Jesus. We begin to imitate Christ in our thoughts, actions, words and opinions of others. We realize that we don’t need more “things” in our lives; instead, we make do with what we have so that we have more to share with others. Prayer and the study of scripture become top priority. This abundant life that Jesus died to give us causes us to want to share the good news with others. So we want to talk “Jesus” to those who will listen. This change of life style is made possible by the activity of the Holy Spirit, who gives us a new spirit which is in tune with God’s purpose for us. The “abundant life” is not about religion. It’s not about church. It’s not about how much scripture you read, or if you are a church member or no. It’s about grace greater than our sin. It’s about sanctified, holy living. It’s about the deep-down assurance that you belong to the Risen Savior. It’s about a desire to tell your brother and sister about this new life.

“Life to the fullest” is God’s gift to us, free and unconditional. So how are we doing in our desire to live a “full” life? And is Christ at the center of our efforts?

This is the opinion of the Rev. Tim McConnell, assistant pastor of Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Lake Junaluska. Contact him at 828-456-3993 or pastortimmc.blogspot.com.

citizen-times.com - Devotional: What did Jesus mean by 'life to the fullest'?

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