The
thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a
rich and satisfying life.
(John 10:10, NLT)
This
assurance from Jesus is beautiful and full of hope. Is there anyone who does not want a rich and
satisfying life? Every person, in his or
her own way, is striving to find the things which make one feel complete and
fulfilled. But, I come today to suggest
we have our eyes on the wrong prize.
As I
talk about myself, I am sure others will begin to see. I read the King James Bible and mistakenly
thought ‘life more abundantly’ meant enjoying plentiful possessions, obtaining symbols
of status, and having my desires be God’s desires. My passionate pursuit of higher learning, prominence
in my career, financial wealth, the perfect mate, the next adrenaline rush, and…and….and….created
a blind spot.
There
is absolutely nothing wrong with these things in themselves. God always intended for me to have a life full
of achievement, pleasurable experiences, and companionship. But, the greatest gift was meant to be
knowledge so that I would not die for a lack of it. The real tragedy would be me walking this
earth spiritually dead because I failed to recognize Jesus as my Lord and
Savior.
My
free access to God through Christ is the thing to be valued most. All
praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with
every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with
Christ (Ephesians 1:3, NLT). I will have
a rich and satisfying life because this bounty of love fills my heart and the
overflow becomes the plenty in my hands.
These
spiritual blessings grow into more than what I could ask or think. For, they are the knowledge of the goodness
of God, peace in the time of storms, healing when others say death, the reward
in putting God-given talent to good use, financial savvy, a multitude of loving
family and friends, adventure, and…and…and….
