The thief comes …
In her book, The Wired Soul, Tricia McCary Rhodes describes what it feels like living in the hyperconnected age of the 21st century:
While I am not personally prone to panic attacks, these days there are moments when I find myself out of sorts, almost as if I can’t quite catch my breath. I don’t think I’m alone in this. People of all ages seem terminally distracted, perpetually hurried, and often harried. It is rare for an answer to the question “how are you?” not to include the word busy and elicit some degree of angst. Collectively it feels as if we are losing something important in the name of progress, as if life itself is slipping through our fingers.
I know I’m not the only one who identifies with Dr. Rhodes. I listen to friends, associates, and even strangers share their frustrations as they attempt to be “all-and-everything-to-everybody-while-no-good-for-themselves”. This leads me to ask, where is the promise of an “abundant life”? Jesus offers an explanation in John 10:10.
To steal, kill and destroy.
In this analogy, Jesus contrasts his nurturing care for His believers with that of a thief. The thief He refers to are the leaders of Israel who cared only for themselves. They stole, killed and destroyed “the abundant favor” that God had promised His people (Philippians 4:19).
Who are the thieves today? It’s anything or anyone who robs believers of the promises and blessings of God (Ephesians 1:3). The thief is noise, hurry, and crowds. It’s our bad habits, our toxic relationships and yes, our over-committed calendars. The thief is social media—that constant intruder who interferes with our ability to live in the present and in the presence of God.
The thief comes not only to kill and destroy our peace, our relationship with others, but more importantly prevent our intimacy with God. Are we slaves to the notification bell on our phones? Can we live without Facebook as scrolling becomes our new entertainment?
More in the thieves next week!
The abundant offer
Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” So, what does “abundant life” look like?
Life (zoe) is defined as “real and genuine”. It is a life vigorously devoted to and in personal relationship with God and with others (John 15:4-5). Abundant life offers spiritual freedom and eternity with God to those who put their trust in Christ (John 3:16; Romans 6:14).
Life lived abundantly (perissos) 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.
Reclaiming our abundant life
If we feel we’ve lost our abundant life, Jesus has provided a way to regain that which was stolen by the devil or that which was slowly surrendered to the world.
Dr. Charles Stanley, pastor, Bible teacher, best-selling author, and founder of In Touch Ministries, offered this advice as we seek to reclaim our abundant life.
Many believers still try to fill their own void with achievements, wealth, or relationships. When such aspirations are given higher priority than the Lord, they can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction. An abundant life is possible only when we seek God above all else. Pray for His guidance as you search your heart. Confess any sin and ask God to fill your life as only He can do.