The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Often times we say that you haven’t lived until you have done this or that. Maybe you think someone hasn’t lived until they have seen a certain movie or traveled to a certain place. We all have these things that we have experienced that we consider the ultimate experience and we want those that we love to have an opportunity to experience them. We all have things on our bucket list that we want to experience before we die.

But my friend, I submit to you that you have not truly lived until you submit your life to Christ. To some of you this sounds like foolishness and I understand that. I used to think that travelling was living. I used to think that hanging out and drinking with my friends was living. I used to think that being the life of the party was living. But, I was wrong. I have learned that living, true living and abundant living, can only come through a good, solid relationship with Jesus Christ. Only after I dedicated my life to Him, did I know what abundant living was all about.

You see, I really started living with I began putting Him first (Matthew 6:33). I really started enjoying my life when he washed me white as snow with His blood (1 John 1:9). I really started living when he removed my sins as far from me as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).

You see the problem is that I thought I was really living when I was going out with my friends and hanging in the barrooms. I thought that I was having fun and I thought that if I gave things like that up then I wouldn’t have any fun. I thought that my sin was fun and exciting. But, I came to realize that my sin was like a weight around my neck.

So, I ask you today, are you living the abundant life? I’m not talking about material possessions and wealth. I am talking about it being well with your soul. I am talking about the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) which brings unending joy (Isaiah 51:11). I came to know true joy when I came to really know Jesus. I had had a superficial relationship with Him for many years. He was my 911 call. He was someone I ran to and clung to in times of trouble, but I didn’t really know Him. I didn’t really understand His goodness. I didn’t really understand His love for me. I didn’t really understand how much He loved me (John 3:16) and how He wanted good things for me (Jeremiah 29:11).

But once I submitted to Him, I truly began to live. I now live that abundant life. I live the life of joy that has nothing to do with my circumstances or my emotions and everything to do with my relationship with Him. The beauty of it all though, is that I ain’t seen nothing yet. This wonderful life here on earth can’t compare to the glory that awaits me for eternity. My friend it just can’t get any better than that.

My prayer for you today is that you are living that abundant life here in anticipation of the glory that awaits you. Because, my friend, you haven’t lived until you have surrendered your life to Christ.

Have a great day!