What Is Abundant Living?
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10 (ESV)
When we think about abundant living, we often consider ways to improve our lives. Perhaps, we can incorporate more self-care days. Or, maybe we can find ways to earn more money. In John 10:10, Jesus talks about abundant living. He declares, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
What is abundant living, and what does it look like today?
A Brief Definition
A broad definition of abundance would be a state of having more than enough of something. Unless you struggle with gluttony, you typically do not desire more of the thing that overflows in your life. To live abundantly is to have more than enough across the board. You are, in other words, a well-rounded individual who wants for nothing.
When viewing the term “abundant living” from this perspective, it may be appropriate to bring up Psalm 23:1 (NIV): “The Lord is my Shepherd. I lack nothing.” David writes this as a declaration of God meeting all of his needs. Jesus also has a word about being a Shepherd in John 10.
What John 10 Says About The Matter
In John 10, Jesus declares himself as the “Good Shepherd.” He further explains why the title is appropriate by telling his listeners that he is willing to lay down his life for those who follow his way (the “sheep”). Hirelings (undershepherds or modern-day pastors) are not willing to lay down their lives for fellow disciples of Jesus because they are not the shepherds.
Hirelings are also not the way to abundant living. In John 10:7 (NIV), Jesus establishes himself as the “gate” or “door” to the sheep. He then goes on to say,
“All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:8-10 NIV).
From these verses, we can gather that Jesus is the only way to enjoy life to the fullest. Does that mean that we will have all the riches and dreams our hearts desire? Not necessarily.
Abundant Living Is Not About Materialism
While it is true that abundant living may come with certain material possessions, the source of enjoying life at full capacity is not found in what you own. Having a full life is about balance. The cup of abundant living is full because all the ingredients that go into making the solution are stabilized. There aren’t so many material possessions available that an individual develops an ego. At the same time, there aren’t so few possessions that a person struggles to obtain the bare necessities of daily life. Abundant living, then, is about enjoying life at equilibrium.
Are You Living In Abundance?
It would not be a stretch to say that a complete understanding of abundant living will never be discovered in this life. The Bible points to this notion by declaring that, as humans, we know in part and see in part (1 Corinthians 3:9-12). It’s not until we complete our journeys on Earth that we come into full knowledge of the pilgrimage. Still, we can enjoy the full portion of abundant living this realm offers.
The first step to living abundantly is taking account of our lives:
- Are we always anxious? Or, can we rest with full understanding that everything will work out?
- Do we continuously find ourselves striving for perfection? Or, do we understand that our relationship with Jesus makes us complete?
These are two of many questions we can ask ourselves while discovering what it truly means to live abundantly.
Questions to Ponder
- What do you think when you hear the phrase “abundant living”?
- Do you believe you are getting the most out of this abundant life?
- What are two things you could change right now to move closer towards abundance?
