John10:10b I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

What do you think of when you hear abundant life? Do you think affluence? Do you think influence? Do you think life? I dare say most people do not think about life itself when they think abundance. We think about things, concepts, and self-pleasure.

If you truly understood what Jesus means by declaring that He is going to give you an abundant life you might question all of you previous assumptions. What if I were to tell you that Jesus really was saying, “I come to give you more of me.”

John 14:6a Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:

Jesus is the life. Jesus is life. The concepts lost on new believers are the issues of Lordship, surrender and service. New believers usually think about what they can gain from an abundant life they have yet to understand, experience or appreciate.

So much focus is placed on gifts, talents and rewards in an effort to motivate new believers that the first essential truth of Christianity takes a back seat. You have no life without Christ. Cry freedom all you want because that too is misunderstood by initiates. You are free from the bondage of sin, but are now captivated by the love of Christ. Captured you are and a better life it is for sure, but do not misunderstand you are captivated.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.