7 So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [John 10:7-10]
Jesus says to us, “I came that you may have life and have in abundantly.” What does this mean for you? What is abundance from your perspective? Our culture certainly measures abundance by one’s wealth and possessions. Those with means can do whatever it is they want to do because of their wealth and possessions. I admit I have watched Million Dollar Listing and the opulence of these homes is beyond my comprehension. Who needs a home that has an elevator for their car adjacent to their master bedroom? Or who needs 20,000 square feet of living space for two people? In reading John, I don’t think Jesus is saying an abundant life is determined by one’s bank accounts. Sure, money makes life easier, but not necessarily abundant. I suggest that to have life abundantly has something to do with the condition of our hearts. Are our hearts glad and generous? Are they overflowing with praise for God, having goodwill for all people? Are we willing to walk with others developing deep and abiding relationships, lifting one another up along the way? Let’s not let the thieves of our culture define abundant life for us.
Prayer
Generous and giving God, help me to trust in your provision for my life. Give me the courage to live into your abundance, where my heart overflows with gladness, generosity, and goodwill for all people. Amen.