Introduction In John 10:10, Jesus gives us a glimpse into one of the core reasons He came to us, contrasted sharply against Satan's reason for being: Borrowed from YouVersion This verse is powerful and hopeful, yet many people fail to grasp it…
This verse is powerful and hopeful, yet many people fail to grasp its significance. Instead of embracing the fullness of life that Jesus offers, they settle for lesser things—temporary pleasures, material possessions, or even destructive habits. They allow the evil one to steal, kill, and destroy the richness of their lives. Why is that?
The Apostle Paul gives us insight into this in Romans 1:25, where he writes:
"They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen."
This exchange is at the heart of why so many people miss out on the abundant life Jesus offers. They've replaced the eternal with the temporal, the Creator with the created, and in doing so, they've forfeited the fullness of life that God intends for them.
What It Means to Live Life to the Full
So, what does it mean to live life to the full? Is it about accumulating wealth, achieving success, or fulfilling all our desires? While these things might bring temporary satisfaction, they are not the fullness that Jesus speaks of. Living life to the full is about much more than our circumstances or possessions; it's about the deep, abiding presence of God in our lives, the joy of knowing Him, and the peace that comes from being aligned with His purposes.
Abiding in Christ
In John 15:5, Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Living life to the full begins with abiding in Christ. It means staying connected to Him, drawing our strength, wisdom, and purpose from Him. It also means honestly confessing our sins to Him, when (not if) we screw up, trusting Him to forgive us--which He has already done--and not kick us to the curb. This allows us not to drag all that guilt-baggage around with us. Just as branches cannot bear fruit without being attached to the vine, we cannot experience the fullness of life without being in constant relationship with Jesus.
Experiencing True Peace
Jesus also promises us peace—not as the world gives, but a peace that surpasses understanding. In John 14:27, He says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but on our internal connection with God. It's the kind of peace that allows us to remain calm in the midst of life's storms because we know that our foundation is secure in Christ.
Living with Purpose
In Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Part of living life to the full is understanding and fulfilling the purpose for which God created us. When we align our lives with His will and engage in the good works He has prepared for us, we find a deep sense of fulfillment and joy that nothing else can provide.
Cultivating Joy
The joy that Jesus offers is another aspect of a full life. In John 15:11, Jesus says, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." True joy comes from knowing Christ and being in relationship with Him. It's a joy that is not shaken by life's difficulties because it is rooted in the unchanging nature of God.
Eternal Perspective
Living life to the full also means living with an eternal perspective. In Colossians 3:2, Paul instructs us, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." When we focus on eternity and the promises of God, we are less swayed by the temporary troubles and attractions of this world. We understand that our true life, the fullness of life, is found in our relationship with God and the eternal life He offers.
What Does Life to the Full Look Like?
When you picture someone living life to the full, do you think of someone with a dour look on their face? Do you picture someone dressed a certain way or with a particular haircut? How about someone stewing about judgment—either their own by God or (worse) their judgment of others? I don't think that's what Jesus meant by living life to the full, do you?
Living life to the full means embracing the freedom that Jesus offers us. It's a life marked by joy, not sorrow; by peace, not anxiety; by love, not judgment. Imagine a person whose life is filled with purpose and meaning, who wakes up each day with a sense of excitement and anticipation for what God has in store. This person is not weighed down by the cares of this world but is free to love, to serve, and to experience the beauty of God's creation.
Life to the full is characterized by a deep, abiding joy that is not dependent on circumstances. It's the kind of life where you can dance in the rain, laugh in the face of adversity, and find beauty in the simplest things. It's a life of gratitude, where every day is seen as a gift from God, and every breath is an opportunity to praise Him.
This fullness of life is not about perfection or having it all together. It's about being fully alive in Christ, embracing both the highs and lows of life with the assurance that God is with you every step of the way. It's about knowing that you are loved unconditionally by your Creator and that nothing in this world can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39).
Conclusion
Jesus came so that we might have life and have it to the full. This fullness is not about worldly success or temporary pleasures; it's about abiding in Christ, experiencing His peace, living with purpose, cultivating joy, and maintaining an eternal perspective. Unfortunately, many people miss out on this because they've exchanged the truth of God for a lie, misunderstanding what life in relationship with God is supposed to look like. They've made up their own sort of god, and worship that cheap imitation (whether or not they realize it) instead of the True Creator.
But it's never too late to turn back to the Source of True Life. Jesus invites us to come to Him, to lay down our burdens, and to experience the abundant life He offers. As we draw closer to Him, we begin to understand that the fullness of life is found not in what we have, but in who we know—Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
I hope you will join me in striving every day to embrace the full life that Jesus offers, living each day in the joy, peace, and purpose that come from knowing Him.
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