Personally, the student's questions are the best part of teaching adult Bible study classes. Their questions and responses regarding the material are not only interesting, but engaging. As a matter of fact, I truly find myself learning a lot from them!
There are some popular topics during our discussion sessions that are raised on a fairly, consistent basis. I'd like to share one of these with you here today. Though it might vary in the way it is asked, the question goes something like this: "What can I do to make my life more full and meaningful?"
You have to admit, it is a good question. After all, it's a question that can easily apply to all of us. A typical answer might be: more money, a bigger house, or an expensive, luxury car. But, is that really what it's all about? For some help with this, why don't we turn to the Bible.
In John 10:10 (NLT), we're told, "...My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." What the Lord is talking about here is familiar to us as the "abundant life." Not abundant in the worldly, sinful sort of way. Rather, it's the kind of abundant life that the Lord wants you and I to have.
The "abundant life," the way God sees it, is a happy, useful, and fruitful life. This kind of life can't be bought off the shelf, or obtained through other sources. It's the result of upright, pure, and clean living. Many search hard for this kind of life, but, they're looking in the wrong places.
To lead a full and meaningful life, we must be right, think right, and do right! Let's begin with our thoughts. A healthy mindset is one important component of the abundant life. People who have a negative attitude tend to be miserable, as opposed to those who are positive in thought. Lose the doom and gloom, and you'll flourish and bloom! (Proverbs 23:7)
An abundant life also has spiritual depth. This refers to our relationship with God. How can you ignore God and expect to have a happy life? We human-beings are created to have a fellowship with God. If you enjoy having misery as a companion, then by all means turn your back on Him. To deny God, is to deny true happiness in life (Romans 15:13).
Who we choose to associate with can affect our acquiring an abundant life, or not. We should be kind and courteous to all. We can't expect to find the right friends if we are snobbish to some, while being friendly to a selective few. We must think like Christ did towards others (1 Timothy 6:18-19).
The places where we socialize may also hinder our abundant life. Our choices can make us, or ruin us (Psalm 1:1-3). And finally, respect the opinions of others. We see a lot of people out there flying off the handle saying that they don't get any respect. Where I come from, respect is earned, not handed out like candy!
Yes, God desires happy, and victorious (abundant) lives for us. The problem is that we mess ourselves up. Luckily, he's made the abundant life available to any and all who make a total commitment to him, and walk in his Spirit. Give him a chance to show you how to get it (Jeremiah 33:3)!
Scripture: Romans 15:13; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Ephesians 2:8-9; Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 4:20
Prayer: Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. - (Psalm 119:12-16)
God loves you!
Shayna
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