Seeking an abundant life?
What is abundant life? In Hebrew, abundance or abundant, range in meaning from “blessings” (the good things one is blessed with) to “plenty and much”. Under the Mosaic covenant, God promised that obedience would bring rich material blessings to God’s people. (Deuteronomy 30:9-10) It was there that man viewed abundance as material wealth, riches, and possessions. This is also the world’s view of abundance. Abundant living follows as a natural consequence of material possessions.
These “negative” aspects of the kingdom run counter to a heresy that is gaining ground around the world, the so-called “prosperity” gospel. A growing number of false teachers are gathering followers under the message “God wants you to be rich!” But that philosophy is not the counsel of the Bible—and it is certainly not the counsel of Matthew 6:33, which is not a formula for gaining wealth. It is a description of how God works. Jesus taught that our focus should be shifted away from this world—its status and its lying allurements—and placed upon the things of God’s kingdom.[1]
Seeking worldly success?
Why do we seek material abundance? It is an indicator of our identity with personal success and standing. While I’m not saying anything is wrong with material abundance, I only caution our pursuit and dependence on it to validate who we are.
Jesus cautioned in Luke 12:15 that a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. Using this warning as an introduction to the parable of the rich fool, Jesus concludes with this sad observation for those who seek physical abundance.
And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many good things stored up, [enough] for many years; rest and relax, eat, drink and be merry (celebrate continually)”. But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own all the things you have prepared?’ So it is for the one who continues to store up and hoard possessions for himself and is not rich [in his relationship] toward God.” (Luke 12:19-21, Amplified)
What hinders our abundant life?
How do we know if we’re truly seeking God’s kingdom first? There are questions we can ask ourselves. “Where do I primarily spend my energies? Is all my time and money spent on goods and activities that will certainly perish, or in the service of God—the results of which live on for eternity?” Believers who have learned to truly put God first may then rest in this holy dynamic: “…and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Finding abundant life.
Abundant living is only possible through the leading (filling) of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Abundant living is everything we need to reclaim our lives—balance, energy, peace, simplicity, and happiness.
Abundant living differs from worldly success by focusing on spiritual fulfillment through love, joy, peace, and purpose rather than financial prosperity or personal gain. Biblical characteristics of abundant life include love, joy, peace, purpose, growth, freedom, and hope, all stemming from a relationship with God.
Like the rich fool, we will be disappointed if we place our focus on the world’s view of abundant living. For life to truly be enjoyed, it will be through our personal relationship with God. God is more than our sufficiency. He is our Great Reward. (Genesis 15:1; Matthew 5:12)
[1] Got Questions, “What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God?”