“You face danger by faith, but knowing you live for Christ makes you persevere and trust Him.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 25, 2022
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10, NKJV
What is quality of life for the Christian? How does Christ define quality living? He gives abundant life, but what does this look like for those who love the Lord? Abundant life begins by receiving the gift of God in the life of Christ. “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son” (1 John 5:11). Quality of life begins with eternal life as the end goal. God offers abundant life as a reward for our salvation.
Quality of life means we live life motivated by what outcomes will live on into eternity. Perhaps I get less and give more. By adjusting down my standard of living, I am able to give more toward what matters to Jesus. The Lord modeled well for us a life of quality. One example was His unselfish service, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:4-5). Service to others brings quality of life to all parties.
“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).
Quality of life may not lead to ease and comfort, as our culture likes to advertise. Paul described his life of obedience to the Lord as a dangerous way, “I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers” (2 Corinthians 11:26). You face danger by faith, but knowing you live for Christ makes you persevere and trust Him.
How is my quality of life? Is it abundant in its obedience to Christ? Is He my life to the point His priorities are my priorities? Do I let go of earthly indulgences so others can gain eternal rewards? Andrew Murray, the famous Dutch devotional writer of the 1800’s who pastored in South Africa for over 40 years, said this about the role of the Holy Spirit in living the abundant life of Christ:
“Our Lord spoke this word concerning the more abundant life when he said that he had come to give his life for his sheep: ‘I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly’ (John 10:10). A man may have life, and yet, through lack of nourishment, or through illness, there may be no abundance of life or power. This was the distinction between the Old Testament and the New. In the former there was indeed life, under the law, but not the abundance of grace of the New Testament. Christ had given life to his disciples, but they could receive the abundant life only through his resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me by the wisdom of your Spirit, define my quality of life by Christ’s life at work in and through me, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What in my life competes for my abundant life in Christ?
Related Reading
Amos 6:1-7; Isaiah 54:2; 2 Peter 1:3; Revelation 2:7-10
Worship Resource
Shane and Shane: I Will Wait for You
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