The last two days we have been answering the question: “What is abundant life NOT?” This is our current list:
- Abundant Life is NOT equal to material wealth.
- Abundant Life is NOT equal to the approval of man.
Today, I want to continue this conversation by adding:
- Abundant Life is NOT a picture-perfect life. Social Media has done a great job of making us believe that there is such a thing as a picture-perfect life. No one is going to purposely post a terrible picture of themselves. At least I’m not! And most of us wisely don’t use social media to talk about the trouble with our teens or a fight with our husband. (By the way, if you are doing that, please stop.) My point is, these days we can subtly fall for the lie that other people have picture-perfect lives and that MUST be what abundant life looks like.
If you study any of the main characters of the Bible, you will see that none of them had a picture perfect life.
Abraham and Sarah dealt with infertility.
Jacob had a terrible relationship with his twin brother. He was also manipulated by his father-in-law.
Noah was mocked for his obedience to God. Later, he was discovered by his sons in a drunken state, which led to a split in the family.
Joseph was betrayed by his family members, falsely accused of wrong-doing and served time in jail for a crime he did not commit.
David was an adulterer.
The list goes on and on.
Even the lineage of Jesus, our Perfect Savior gives evidence of an imperfect family line. The lineage which brought about the only perfect human being was sprinkled with those who had great imperfections and sins, including those who were experienced in prostitution, adultery, and rejection. What is my point? My point is that your life, nor mine, will ever be perfect—at least not on this side of heaven. But abundant life does not equate with perfect life.
The abundant life God offers us will fill our imperfect lives with meaning. It will gives us faith and peace and patience—and even gratitude—in the midst of the imperfections. Remember, my friends, God is pleased to give you the Kingdom. He gives good gifts to His children. He gives more than enough—to the point that our cups overflow with every good thing. Our lives will not always be picture perfect. But they will be full—full of all that is important and fulfilling. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praying for you today!
Sara
