The abundant life is not automatic! Jesus said in John 10:10 “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come to give life and to give it more abundantly.” You might think that if you have Jesus, you automatically have the abundant life, but that’s not true. It would be great if the abundant life was like the headlights on new vehicles that detect when to come on or when to dim. We live in a world full of things that are automatic, but the abundant life of God never has been and never will be. That is by God’s design too for whoever wants the abundant life, it is available, but just by praying a prayer for salvation is no guarantee you will live the abundant life. I believe most born again Christians meet the requirements for salvation by faith, but never qualify for the rich abundant life of Christ through complete surrender, unwavering devotion, and selfless seeking of God. We all struggle in this area and there are some who claim abundant life, but it’s only flashes of emotion.
So how do you know if you actually live the abundant life? It’s not by the smile I wear and it’s not by the possessions I have and it’s not by the confidence in my voice. Again, it’s not automatic. The abundant life comes by following the voice of the Shepherd and obeying His words. Now, one of the strongest supports that shows you are living the abundant life that comes from Jesus is when you begin to share it with others. You can have a good religious life and still fall short of the abundant life. Only when the life of God flows through you can you experience the abundant life that is always available, but never automatic. The thief is a master thief who cares less about your possessions, but he sets his eyes on the life flow of God. The moment you begin to tell others what our great God is doing in your life, that’s the abundant life in action and on display in your life. So, tell God you want His life to flow through you. And when it does, you will not be able hold it back, but you will tell it to everyone.