Abundant life in Christ

Day 6: Abundant life in Christ

Life More Abundantly

Scripture Reading: John 10:1–18; John 14:6

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10

Our question in this series was: How do we obtain life? Jesus gives us that answer in one verse: that we would have life. Life more abundantly. He didn't come for us to live by checklists or survive. He wants us to have life more abundantly.

Just like the thief came to steal, kill, and destroy, he wants to steal from us. Kill us and destroy us by telling us that we will never change. Jesus, however, gives his life for the sheep. John 10:11. We don't get abundant life because of us; we receive it because Jesus gave his life for it.

We are not guaranteed that our lives will be free of adversity. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33. It's about who is in your hand, not what. So what does this have to do with walking the narrow way?

The narrow way isn't something we follow; it's someone. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6. We spent the last 6 days learning how to walk in obedience to God's word when things aren't working out, and to follow the narrow way instead of the checklist—living by the vine, allowing God to renew our minds, and receiving the yoke of Jesus. All of this leads us to one thing: Jesus.

Life Application Take-Away:

Remember, life is found in someone, not a list. Go back through days 1-5 and pick one takeaway that resonated with you the most. Live by that takeaway for the next 30 days. Find someone to hold you accountable and tell them your goal for the next 30 days. If you have never accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, come to the door John 10:9 today and receive life.

Reflect: What is the thief trying to steal from me? How can I receive that back from Jesus?

Prayer: Lord, You are the way, the truth, and the life. Thank you for giving your life so that we can live abundant lives. Help me live in obedience to your word and lead me down the narrow way. Amen.