The Abundant Life: Riches money can’t buy…
Those living the abundant life know that the past is to learn from, not to live in. Those living in the past are continually lamenting what might have been. They are stuck in a “would have, should have, could have” syndrome, constantly thinking if only, if only, if only…
Everyone’s life is full of missed opportunities, some unwise decisions, and regret. These things cannot be changed. It is foolish to be held captive by things we can do nothing about. Living in the past immobilizes us. It keeps us from enjoying the present and prevents us from moving into the future. Christian lives should not be held in suspended animation. Paul says to forget what is behind. (Philippians 3:13-14) We need to concentrate on our daily walk with God—today—NOW!
We need to live in the NOW, not in the past. We are NOW freed from sin. (Romans 6:22) There is NOW no condemnation for us because we are in Christ. (Romans 8:1) NOW we are no longer tied to the law, but to Jesus Christ. (Romans 7:6) The old things have passed away and we are NOW a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17) We are NOW the children of God. (1 John 3:2) In the past we were full of darkness, but NOW we are a light to the world. (Ephesians 5:8)
The Greek word for “now” is “nun,” which means at this time and henceforth into the future. So appreciating what we have NOW carries over into our future. We don’t know what we will be like in the future, but it has to be even better than NOW, because we will be more fully like God. (1 John 3:1-3)
Abundant lives understand what they NOW have in Jesus Christ. The past is past. Those living the abundant life will focus on what God’s plan is for their lives NOW!
*****
“…I have come that they may have life and that they
may have it more abundantly.” ~John 10:10 (KJV)
