The promise of a full and satisfying life
“I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Other translations say, “full life” or “satisfying life.” Whether the words in the verse are abundant, full or satisfying, the meaning is really about achieving the kind of life that Jesus intends for you to have - a life that reflects what He has created you for.
The average lifetime
In his book, In an average lifetime, Tom Heymann says the average American spends 3 years in business meetings, 13 years watching TV, Spends $89,281 on food, consumes 109,354 pounds of food, Makes 1,811trips to McDonald's, Spends $6,881 in vending machines, Eats 35,138 cookies and 1,483 pounds of candy, Catches 304 colds, Is involved in 6 motor vehicle accidents, is hospitalized 8 times (men) or 12 times (women), and spends 24 years sleeping.
Wow! That is amazing! But, I really don't think his list describes the “abundant life” Jesus was talking about in John 10:10. That kind of life is very fulfilling, satisfying, or simply put, it’s happy.
Many get it wrong
There has been, and continues to be, a mountain of opinion, ideas, and instruction on the subject of achieving one’s potential, personal fulfillment and finding happiness. Humanistic psychologists put forth the idea that “self-actualization (the fulfillment of self through reaching one's potential) is the highest expression of a human's life.” Wrong!
Elevating one’s self won't do it for you
In contrast to the so-called, self-actualization stuff, which teach us to elevate the SELF and to place our own wants and desires in the first place of importance in our lives, we have the following instruction from Jesus Christ:
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment, And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” (Matt. 22: 37-40).
In other words
The answer is not about SELF, but it's about others, beginning with God first, and then your neighbor next. You already love yourself, and that's why Jesus says to love others as you love yourself.
Put God first, and He will take care of the rest
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33)
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