by:
08/12/2022
0
"So Jesus spoke again, “I assure you that I am the gate of the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and outlaws, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest." (John 10:7-10)
There are many people and things in our lives that want to "steal" from us. Live for yourself. It's all about what you have and how much you have. It's not about how you live; it's about having fun while you can. Jesus says, "I want you to have life - and I want you to live life to the fullest." In other translations, it's phrased: "I want you to live abundantly." It sounds like Jesus is saying the same thing the world tells us ... but it's just the opposite.
The world says to live life to the fullest we should surround ourselves with things and fulfillment of our desires. Jesus says if we act like sheep and follow that line of reasoning, we are like sheep who miss the gate and are lost. However, if we follow him as our shepherd, we will enter through the gate into a pasture that leads not just to life, but to a life of superabundance.
How do we live life to the fullest as Jesus sees it? The answer is both simple - and incredibly difficult. We love God more than anything, or anyone, else. We love others more than ourselves. We pray because that's how we keep our connection to God. We share the good news of our faith with others. We remember Jesus's words that where our heart is, there our treasure will be found - and our heart needs to be with him and focused on what he taught us.
Are you living an abundant life, living life to the fullest? If not, look to Jesus as the shepherd, the one who can lead you to that life. And if you are in that place now, then encourage others in their journey to find their fullest lives.
Live Steaming
Groups
0 Comments on this post: