You Can Live the Abundant Life! Your life can be full of enjoyment, happiness and abundant living! God intends that you experience these things. Yet people do not know what brings—what causes—the abundant life. Here are the vital keys that you can know!

by david c. pack

ever has the world had so education, religion has also failed ter- What Christ Said much, yet been so miserable. ribly in teaching people what God Depression, unhappiness, intends them to know about real abun- On the last night before His crucifix- N dant living. ion, Christ taught His disciples many confusion, frustration, unfulfilled Many religions have taught people vital principles. At one point, He said, hopes and dreams, dissatisfac- to feel guilty if they enjoy themselves— “These things have I spoken unto you, tion, emptiness—and HOPELESS if they are happy! Many believe that that My joy might remain in you, and MISERY—describe humanity the God wants them to suppress joy and that your joy might be full” (John world over. happiness—and that Christ expects this 15:11). from His followers. On the same occasion, Christ, The United States Constitution Millions view as little knowing the disciples would sorrow guarantees people the right to more than a series of “Thou shalt at His death, added, “But your sorrow “life, liberty and the pursuit of nots,” rather than as the path to enjoy- shall be turned into joy...and your joy happiness.” While the framers of the ing a wonderful, abundant life. These no man takes from you” (16:20, 22). Constitution understood they could same millions often think of sin as the This is a powerful promise. guarantee the American citizenry fun that will end if they obey God. Christians experience real joy and hap- certain civil liberties and freedom They think that “accepting ” also piness in this life. If they are truly from oppression, they understood means accepting a life of almost mor- pleasing and obeying God, there is they could not guarantee happiness. bid gloom and doom. nothing that anyone can do to take this Be honest with yourself. Haven’t you joy away. They could only seek to guarantee seen Christianity primarily in this light? This is an extraordinary statement. one’s right to “pursue” it. Haven’t you thought that Christianity But most know nothing of it, or of Many are pursuing happiness, but in primarily means an end to fun, pleasure, other verses about this subject. Yet all the wrong places! excitement, thrills and leading an inter- it has been God’s purpose from the Vast new frontiers of expanding esting life? Haven’t you also thought of beginning that His servants enjoy life scientific knowledge have not brought most church services as solemn, sober, to the full. And God has also intended the happiness that leaders prophesied unemotional and devoid of real mean- that His people enjoy life with His would accompany it. Neither have ing—and happiness? Because of this, joy. Christ said “My [His] joy” was to laborsaving devices, which were sup- many attend certain more emotional remain with His disciples. posed to bring people more leisure time churches, seeking an emotional feeling Consider. The true God of the to “enjoy themselves.” Instead, mental (always temporary) that they equate is the happiest Being in the uni- illness, drug addiction, despair, suicide, with happiness, so that they can fill their verse! David understood this: “In Your alcoholism, self-pity, and other forms terrible emptiness inside. [God’s] presence is fullness of joy” of escapism—and general discontent All of this wrong understanding (Psa. 16:11). with life—abound everywhere. exists because almost no one equates Do you see what David is saying? Educators have failed to lead people Christianity with enjoying a true zest God intends that you live a life of full to the abundant life. Like science and for life! joy and happiness—His happiness—

1 the very same kind of happiness that Law of God (Rom. 13:10; I John 5:3). God Himself experiences. God lives Introducing the Bible Formula “Joy” is listed second because it is the life with “fullness of joy.” All those in For every person, there is a different first and most immediate by-product His presence experience it as well. definition for what a Christian is. Do of practicing obedience to God’s Law. The apostle Jude added that God you know the definition? Are you sure? Next comes “peace,” which flows from wants “to present you faultless before Can you turn to a single verse that being genuinely happy in life—and the presence of His glory with exceed- explains this, removing all doubt? happy toward those around you. ing joy” (vs. 24). There is such a verse—and it is the It is not hard to see how this will This is your ultimate destiny! only place to begin to fully understand yield real peace in your relationships Why then would God expect His how to live the happy, joyful, abun- with others. Without the presence of people to merely endure this life? Yes, dant life! God’s Spirit within one’s mind—which this life is a time of lesson-learning, The apostle Paul probably said produces the deep, inner peace that including trials and . But it is more about the subject of happiness Paul wrote must “rule in your hearts” also a forerunner, in a very small way, than any other Bible writer. We will (Col. 3:15)—it is impossible to be of what eternal life is intended to be. It see some of these verses in a moment. happy. would make no sense for God to expect But the verse that speaks most about Each of the following fruits of the life to consist of only suffering and this subject appears not to mention it. Spirit will flow as a direct result of pain now as a preparation for perfect Notice: “But you are not in the flesh, having the Spirit of God, and being joy and happiness later. but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit a real Christian. While millions may of God dwell in you. Now if any man think that they are Christians, and may What Christ Brought have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none think that they have the Spirit of God, Many years ago, I learned of one of of His” (Rom. 8:9). they have not followed the biblical for- the most incredible verses in the entire This basic scripture leaves no room mula (Acts 2:38). Bible. No one in the large, respected for misunderstanding. A Christian is This means you. If you have God’s denomination of my youth ever spoke one who has the Spirit of God. If not, Spirit present within you, you can of it. Apparently, none ever thought “he is none of His.” This includes experience both a joy and peace that about it either, because their lives did you. Countless millions of professing no one can take from you—even when not reflect radiant happiness. Notice: Christians sincerely believe that they you are persecuted. Paul wrote, “…all “I am come that they might have life, are “Christ’s.” Yet they do not have that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall and that they might have it more abun- God’s Spirit and are, therefore, not suffer persecution” (II Tim. 3:12). So dantly” (John 10:10). Christians at all. you will be persecuted for your beliefs, Have you ever seen—or even heard Let’s keep this simple—and move but this need not upset you and cause of—this verse before? Probably not. step-by-step. The beginning point of unhappiness. Christ came bringing the abundant Christianity is that one must receive the God actually tells us to “rejoice, life—and He said so plainly! . and be exceeding glad” (Matt. 5:11- Why then do so many believe that But what does this mean—what 12) when the very worst and most Christianity is supposed to be endured does having the Spirit of God have to intense kinds of persecution and false instead of enjoyed. Why do they not do with happiness, joy and the abun- accusation are thrown against us. This understand that the radiant, abundant dant life? is because we will receive a “great(er) life can be theirs—if they will follow Let’s see more of why Romans 8:9 reward” at Christ’s Return, as a result! God’s formula to achieve it? has much to do with this subject. Paul God never instructs or commands wrote the Galatians, “But the fruit of A Man of Sorrows, But Happy His people to avoid anything unless the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long- The same is true of enduring trials, it is for their own good. Many things suffering, gentleness, goodness, , which are a part of every Christian’s seem like fun, but carry a delayed pen- meekness, temperance…” (Gal. 5:22). life. Christ was not an exception when alty, and terrible price, for having done This verse is all-important. When it came to trials and suffering. We them. God instructs us on what to avoid a newly converted Christian receives have seen that He experienced joy and so that we will not get hit later by an the Spirit of God, he receives a little left it with His disciples and with His unexpected “boomerang”! of each of these qualities of God’s Church, through His Spirit given on I have never met a single person character. We have already seen that Pentecost (Acts 2). Yet Christ was also who actually wanted to be unhappy. God experiences fullness of joy, so it is “a man of sorrows [pain], and acquaint- All want to live life to the fullest, and not strange then that His Holy Spirit— ed with grief” (Isa. 53:3). feel happiness and joy. But most have which is His “divine nature” (II Pet. How could it be both? How could simply not known how to do this—or 1:4)—includes joy. Christ be full of joy and experience a whether God even expected it. The Christian starts out by practic- life of sorrows and grief? He does expect it—and tells you ing love, which is the only fruit listed Overcoming and conquering sin how! before joy. Love is the fulfilling of the is not easy. Christ conquered sin, so

2 He understood this. He knew that the And we will receive a greater reward of life. It means a whole different way whole world lives in sin and suffers because of more character that has of thinking and believing. You must terribly as a result. This brought Him been built! recognize that people do not automati- great sorrow because it was never what Peter also wrote, “Wherein you cally understand all God’s ways at the He intended for mankind. greatly rejoice, though now for a outset of conversion. All wrong ways, Christ also understood that the season, if need be, you are in heaviness values and beliefs must be unlearned, Christian way involves trials and dif- through manifold temptations: That the and everything that is good, pure and ficulties throughout life. This is an trial of your faith, being much more right—all things of God—must be inescapable fact for those in whom precious than of gold that perishes, learned! God is working. These are essential to though it [our character] be tried with God says, “For my thoughts are the character-building process, and are fire, might be found unto praise and not your thoughts, neither are your good for us. Trials and tests can make honor and glory at the appearing of ways my ways, says the Lord. For as us temporarily sorrowful, but bring Jesus Christ” (I Pet. 1:6-7). the heavens are higher than the earth, great joy when we understand their Peter added, “Blessed be the God so are My ways higher than your ways, purpose. and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and My thoughts than your thoughts” Here is how the apostle Peter told which according to His abundant (Isa. 55:8-9). us to view trials: “Beloved, think it mercy has begotten us again unto a This scripture is profound and far- not strange concerning the fiery trial lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus reaching in meaning. It involves every- which is to try you, as though some Christ from the dead, to an inheritance thing we think, say and do, including strange thing happened unto you: But incorruptible, and undefiled...unto sal- how we view the subject of joy, hap- rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers vation ready to be revealed in the last piness and living the abundant life. It of Christ’s ; that, when His time” (I Pet. 1:3-5). means recognizing that this is what glory shall be revealed, you may be God wants. This may mean sweeping glad also with exceeding joy” (I Pet. from your mind all previous false con- 4:12-13). “Without the presence cepts of what you thought Christianity No one likes to suffer. Certainly was supposed to be like. Christ did not look forward to pain and of God’s Spirit within If you are Christ’s, then your eyes suffering. But He knew, as He endured one’s mind—which are fixed on the kingdom of God these things, that He would soon be produces the deep, (Matt. 6:33). You understand that this sitting at God’s right hand, restored to is the biggest objective—the greatest full glory. inner peace that Paul GOAL —in your life! Never forget that During trials we are to focus on the wrote must “rule in your everything in your life is subordinate to glorious reward that awaits us, if we achieving , and building char- “endure unto the end” (Matt. 24:13)— hearts” (Col. 3:15)—it is acter along the path to that end! throughout this life! impossible to be happy.” Pause and think for a moment. How Of course, most people do think that many things could bring more peace trials are “strange”—that they are bad, and satisfaction than understanding painful and undesirable. They certainly Is this now clear? Do you see the why you were born and where your are inconvenient. Most convince them- direct connection to trials now and life is going? The excitement, joy, selves that their trials are worse than greater reward later? No wonder God thrill and enormous contentment that everyone else’s, but this is not true. says we should be joyful during trials, flow from this confident assurance will Christians have to train themselves to temptations and persecutions. dwarf every trial, difficulty, hurdle, recognize that trials bring lessons— Now you know what to do the obstacle and problem you will ever and lessons learned forge, temper and next time you experience trials and face in your life. If you truly grasp this strengthen one’s character! difficulties. Do not become unhappy, statement, you have gone a long way This is why the apostle James wondering what is wrong—and moan, toward comprehending why Christ said instructed, “count it all joy when you groan and complain as though some- that His way represents a life more fall into various temptations [trials]; thing bad has happened. Instead, real- wonderful—more abundant—than knowing this, that the trying of your ize it is something that is very good, most could ever imagine! faith works patience” (1:2-3). IF received and used properly. Why, if Serving God does not mean a loss Temptations are tests. And so are you are building something “more pre- of fun and giving up pleasures but trials. God says to count these oppor- cious than gold,” would you complain rather understanding what real fun and tunities for building character as a time or feel unhappy about it? real pleasures are—and enjoying them. for “joy.” Christianity Means Change Putting God First Again, why? Because of the “exceeding joy” Becoming a Christian means a total Let’s take a moment to read Matthew that we shall have when Christ returns. change to a completely different way 6:33: “But seek you first the kingdom

3 “God’s Spirit flows like a river, and it produces mightily in the lives of those who have it.” of God, and His righteousness; and all ful that you do not obey God simply idea that it can bring them supreme these things [material blessings] shall because “there is something (material) happiness, beyond imagination. They be added unto you.” in it for you.” Many Bible verses speak have no concept that it represents full- John also wrote, “Beloved, I wish of the importance of being patient ness, richness, pleasures and overflow- above all things that you may prosper and waiting for answered and ing with plenty, both physically and and be in health, even as your soul blessings to come according to God’s spiritually. They have no idea that [life] prospers” (III John 2). timetable. boundless energy is available to them These verses express God’s will Also, we must be sure that we are if they will but tap it. regarding receiving physical things— pleasing God as a regular practice in Here is what Paul wrote to Timothy enjoying prosperity—in your life. In our lives. in this regard: “For God has not given time, if you truly put God and His king- Let’s read an important verse that us the spirit of fear; but of power, and dom first, you have His sure promise ties obedience to confidence and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Tim. that He will add physical—material— answered . John wrote, “Beloved, 1:7). blessings to your life. It is impossible if our heart [mind and conscience] This verse is not about how to tap for God to lie (Heb. 6:18). When He condemn us not, then have we confi- the better “inner you.” It is not about makes a promise, He keeps it—and He dence toward God. And whatsoever practicing “pull yourself up by your has promised you that “these things” we ask, we receive of Him, because we bootstraps” positive thinking derived will flow into your life, if you put Him keep His commandments, and do those from human strength. In the long run, first! things that are pleasing in His sight” (I these are not worth much. On their You can count on this! John 3:21-22). own, people fall short, and ultimately Malachi 3:8-10 is an example of Take time to savor this verse. fail in the most important aspects of how this principle works in the mind Internalize it and practice it—and then life. They are powerless to overcome of God—how He views faithful obedi- expect that God will give you all the weaknesses and faults—and to triumph ence. When we obey Him, good things physical things that you need. in the end. happen—and sometimes lots of good Paul is speaking about drawing things! Source of Enormous Power upon God’s Spirit within a converted But be careful that you do not Almost no one understands what mind, and using it as a source of expect them right away. Also be care- Christianity really is. They have no strength—of real power! He wrote the

4 Ephesians to “be strong in the Lord, essary, so far from what God intended So, if even correction can bring and in the power of His might” (Eph. for every human being. happiness, just think of the joy that will 6:10). This can be you. Enormous inner Notice what Isaiah wrote: “...every- come from practicing the many other strength and power will flow into and one that thirsts, come you to the waters, aspects of the Christian way of life. through you, if you take advantage of and he that has no money; come you, Practicing God’s Way will lead you the access that God offers you. buy, and eat; yes, come, buy wine and to be concerned for those around you. Read what Christ told His disciples milk without money and without price” You will move away from self-interest about how God’s Spirit worked within (Isaiah 55:1). You too can come to and replace it with an interest in oth- them: “He that on Me, as the God and “buy” His “waters” (His Holy ers. You will want to humble yourself scripture has said, out of his belly shall Spirit) when you have “no money.” and value the lives of others, more flow rivers of living water. (But this Isaiah continues by asking, “Wherefore than your own opinions—and your spoke He of the Spirit, which they that do you spend money for that which own needs. You will feel good will believe on Him should receive…)” is not bread? And your labor for that and cheerfulness in your heart. You (John 7:38-39). which satisfies not?” (vs. 2). Billions will want to smile, lead a life of vigor Have you ever stood by a power- do this continually. and reflect calm when standing in the ful river and watched the current? I This has been a critical principle eye of a storm. You will find courage have many times. A big river carries that I have had to learn. to step out in full and complete faith, enormous power and force—and Christ I lead a very active, busy life. I am knowing that God is with you—that understood this when He chose this generally able to work long hours, day you are not alone! It means understand- analogy. God’s Spirit flows like a river, after day, for long periods. But this ing that you “can do all things through and it produces mightily in the lives of was not possible (and would never Christ who strengthens [you]” (Phil. those who have it. It radiates out of one be possible) until I learned to claim 4:13) and that “with God all things are who has it and brings love, faith, joy God’s promise and tap His strength for possible” (Matt. 19:26). and peace from its Source—God. the physical energy needed on a daily Those around you cannot help but This Spirit will help you meet chal- basis. Take a moment to read Isaiah see these things. You will become lenges, defeat enemies, conquer fear 40:28-31, and then claim God’s prom- an example to them—a light (Matt. and reflect cheerfulness. It will bring ise to renew the “weary,” the “faint” 5:14) in a world growing darker every wisdom, knowledge and understanding, and those with “no might,” if they day (John 3:19-21; 9:4). They will and drive anger, bitterness and anxiety come to Him. see that you have found meaning and away. It will replace discouragement purpose in a confused, disagreeing, with energy and hope. It will bring zeal A Wonderful Way of Life unhappy world! And knowing that you to accomplish and remove confusion The vitality and abundance—and pure are doing this will bring its own happi- and indifference. It will take shattered joyful happiness—that can be yours is ness and satisfaction to you—because dreams and shriveled feelings, and closer than you think. it is what God intends for His servants. expand them to new horizons—and But you must recognize that God Confidence will flow from this, but not bring an expectation of success. It will offers an entirely new and different way self-confidence. take stress and turn it into productivity of life. It means living “by every word You will not find yourself constant- and fulfilling accomplishment. that proceeds out of the mouth of God” ly carping, griping, moaning and com- In James 1:17, God says that He (Matt. 4:4; Luke 4:4; Deut. 8:3). This plaining about life’s endless “injus- gives every good and perfect gift. means studying God’s Word and drink- tices.” You will not want to speak evil People cannot offer or bring to you ing in its meaning. It means praying of others, but will want to lift them the truly good things of life, but God daily and seeking God with your whole up, rather than pull or put them down. can—and He says that He will if you heart—and resisting Satan the devil. You will be able to conquer loneliness. come to Him and ask for help when you This also means periodically accept- And this conduct will generate a never- are in “time of need.” His answers are ing the Bible’s correction, which can before-realized strength, boldness and satisfying, and His strength is real— sometimes cut very deep (Heb. 4:12). confidence that will literally drive life-changing. But the converted mind seeks to grow your life! How sad that the lives of so many at every opportunity. And receiving This may cause people to ask you are so completely empty—so utterly correction is also directly connected to for help, encouragement or advice. They devoid of joy, happiness and abun- happiness. Notice: “Behold, happy is may see that your life is “together,” dance. Many try drugs, fall into immor- the man whom God corrects: therefore while theirs is not! People are drawn to al lifestyles, pursue the wrong kind of despise not you the chastening of the strength—they are drawn to confidence. entertainment, commit crimes, and oth- Almighty” (Job 5:17). Of course, no If you exude these things, radiating a erwise get into trouble, simply because one naturally enjoys correction, but power that is greater than anything they they are bored. They have no idea that yielding to it produces a by-product have seen, they may seek your help. their lives can be filled with purpose. described as the “peaceable fruit of Of course, be sure that they ask for This lack of understanding is so unnec- righteousness” (Heb. 12:9-11). your help (and they may even ask why

5 you are filled with hope and cheerful- salvation, with zeal, vigor, enthusi- be glad in it” (Psa. 118:24). In the very ness—I Peter 3:15) and seem to really asm and drive—and led by hope and next verse, he asked God to “send now need it. Be sure that you do not go faith—as though final success depends prosperity.” around pushing your beliefs and values on your conduct every day. You will These are not vague, nebulous on others. This will turn them off, and not want to compromise God’s Way or scriptures. They are clear, direct and drive them away, producing the oppo- His truth—and you will enjoy richness plain—and vital instruction for you site of what you are trying to achieve. and fullness overflowing as a result of and me. John added, “truly our fellow- But if people see that you always this determined approach. This will ship is with the Father, and with His give others the benefit of the doubt, give you more strength to address your Son Jesus Christ...that your joy may and are always willing to offer a help- problems and overcome them. be full” (I John 1:3-4). ing hand, they will recognize you as Paul wrote to the Thessalonians to Your joy can be full, beyond your different than everyone else. While “rejoice evermore” (I Thes. 5:16). This wildest dreams, if you walk and fellow- they may not appreciate your doctrinal is one of the only two verses in the ship with God and Christ as a constant beliefs, they will very much appreciate Bible that contains two words, making way of life that overarches your every your radiant attitude. it hard to forget. Yet it is a command word and deed. from God to all those begotten of His Yes, you can live the rich, radi- Remembering the Supreme Goal Spirit. It is why a thousand years ear- ant, full, happy, joyful, abundant life. Finally, you will always remember lier, the Psalmist approached each day All you must do is be willing to leave why God put you on earth—why He by saying, “This is the day which the the old way of life behind—go to the gave you life. You will want to seek Lord has made; we will rejoice and SOURCE—and begin! 

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