True Abundance – by Barbara Dahlgren
“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God…” (James 1:17, NLT).
Christ came so we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Some modern preachers want us to believe this refers to wealth and prosperity. They encourage people to go boldly before God and claim this promised abundance. These “health and wealth” or “name it and claim it” preachers measure faith by how much God blesses us materially. That is not what this scripture means.
In fact, Jesus said that a man’s life does not consist of the abundance of the things he might possess (Luke 12:15). If we seek first the kingdom of God, we won’t have to be overly concerned about such matters (Matthew 6:31-33). If we humble ourselves before Him, He will exalt us when the time is right (1 Peter 5:6-7).
I’m not saying an abundant life precludes riches or worldly success, but it does not depend on it either. Paul knew this better than anyone. He knew how to be abased or exalted, have a full tummy or an empty one, to abound or suffer—and through it all be content and give thanks (Philippians 4:11-13; Ephesians 5:20). In other words, we can experience the abundant life even if we are going through major trials or poor as church mice.
The life Jesus refers to in John 10:10 is eternal life, everlasting life, or life without fear of death. The phrase “more abundantly” is the Greek word “perissos” meaning “beyond, more, and above measure.” It refers back to the word “life.” Not only did Jesus come to give us eternal life, but even more than that, He lives His life within us right now. His very presence in us adds something immeasurable to our existence. He is what makes our life worth living in spite of how much money we have in the bank.
If we read the whole passage of John 10, we see it says that Jesus is our shepherd, we sheep hear His voice, and His door is always open for us. The whole context is about us having access to God. And that, my friends, is what the more abundant life is all about. Not only do we receive eternal life, but as an added bonus we can have a relationship with Jesus Christ—the very One who makes it all possible.
Mankind views abundance in terms of physical possessions. God has a different perspective. His abundant life is filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control, compassion, humility, character, wisdom, enthusiasm, dignity, optimism, confidence, honesty, and a relationship with Him. In other words, the more abundant life is full of all the things money can’t buy.
Abundance is not always about having more possessions; sometimes it’s about having enough.
Barbara Dahlgren is an author, speaker and freelance writer whose articles and books are available worldwide. You can follow her at: http://www.barbdahlgren.com
Plain Truth Ministries | Box 300 | Pasadena, CA 91129-0300
