What is an abundant life, and how do we achieve it?
Some think the abundant life is having a big house, exotic vacations, fancy cars, and adoring fans. But what kind of life is underneath all of the show? Is there a loving family? Are there friends willing to sacrifice? When we are alone with all of these trappings, do we feel loved or alone? And what was the cost of acquiring this life?
Philippians 4:4-12, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." Paul learned that he was content if he had riches or was in poverty as long as he abided in Jesus.
He was content because he experienced God's peace. He no longer strived for the things of this earth. He was letting his newly found moderation bless those in need with his excess. What he discovered was that the Lord provided for his needs by the hands of other believers. Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
This is the blessing of an abundant life. Not that we have more than the next person, but rather that we bless others through our abundance, and no one goes hungry. When we gather with people we love, who also love us, we experience the abundant life Jesus told us about. This is the life waiting for us in heaven. This life far exceeds the life heralded by this world. We never feel alone. Jesus told us this when He told us to abide in Him, John 15:4-5, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." and John 8:31, "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;" and Matthew 28:20, "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." This is why we can have His peace, for He is always with us, John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
The abundant life is not a solitary journey, but one experienced in community with follower Christians. Sharing life with selfless people is how God created everything to work together for good, Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." This kind of community, where everyone's needs are met and everyone is cared for, produces good because it responds to His call of purpose.
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