Abundant Life

It is foolish to count our worth according to our fame, fortune or success in this life. These are fleeting and transitory and can change in an instant. As followers of Christ, we no longer pursue aspects pertaining to this earthly realm, but we focus our mind, affections and goals on the purposes of God for us (Colossians 3:2). We no longer desire to fulfill the deeds of the flesh in our mortal body; because we are putting on the new self, which Jesus is renewing within us (Colossians 3:10).

 

Without the understanding of Christ dwelling within us, we cannot walk in victory over sin, sickness and death. Once we come to an epiphany of our union with Christ, anything is possible, according to the will of God (Mark 10:27). We serve the God who graciously forgives our sin debt (1 John 1:9). On top of that, He saves us from the punishment of our sins (Romans 6:23). Then He moves into our spirit to live His life through us.

 

The greatest aspect of our relationship with God is to come to intimately know Him as the one true Father of compassion, the God of all comfort, and to realize that He wants to live His life through Christ in us moment by moment throughout the day (2 Corinthians 1:3; John 17:3). God provides us with the desire and the will to bring Him pleasure (Philippians 2:13). He also gives us His Spirit to teach us all things that we need to know for a successful life of Godliness (1 Corinthians 2:12; 2 Peter 1:3).

 

We are never more fulfilled than when we are walking closest to God through Christ in us. God changes our nature from carnal, earthly flesh to one full of purity, Godliness and spirituality (2 Corinthians 3:18). He gives us a way out of every future temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). He walks with us every moment of every day, giving us His strength to go through every trail and to deliver us from it (Philippians 2:12). With our mind focused on God, we walk in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Our deepest affections are reserved just for Him.

 

True abundance in this life only comes when we adopt a spiritual purpose (Matthew 6:19-21). When we focus on our life with an earthly perception, we experience stress, anxiety, anger and many other negative emotions. The consequences of our choices and actions follow us into eternity. When we focus with an eternal perspective, we are only interested in God’s intentions, instructions and His inclusion of us in His plans. His peace, which transcends all human understanding, fills our heart and mind through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

 

Prayer:

Father God, we want to daily contemplate Your goodness, majesty, power, mercy, love, wisdom, justice and sovereignty. We are to walk in a different dimension than unsaved humanity. Remind us that our values and purpose are centered on Your Kingdom. You supply us with the spiritual resources to perform supernatural feats as we interact in our daily activities with family, church, work and community. When the love we feel for our fellow mankind springs from our love for You and from You, it is more committed and unconditional. All of creation is eagerly waiting for the manifestation of Your sons (Romans 8:19).

 

Thought for the Day:

When we surrender our life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ we enter the realm of abundant life, which He promises. - John 10:10

Thank you, Tracy Hassall, for the use of your photo.