Living Life Full

​In life, we sometimes wrap our purpose up in what we do.  We might say, “My purpose is teaching, leading worship, being a mom, preaching, or writing.” We think what we do brings purpose.
When we read John 10:10, Jesus makes His purpose clear for us. He came so we will have life ---life to the full.
Jesus wants us to live in the fullest possible way.  Not a life full of overscheduled calendars and obligations but a life of abundance --- a life superior in quality. A life full of purpose, passion, and a love for people.

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John 10:10 begins with, “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy.”

• The thief is stealthy in his stealing. We don’t always notice when our joy is gone because we’re focused on the annoyances of the day. The thief sneaks in and distracts us from joy and onto frustration instead. It doesn’t take much.
• Killing is ceasing life. Relationships can be wreaked, strained, and even choked out through controversy and lack of communication. Again, the thief has gotten his way.
• We associate the word ‘destroy’ with complete obliteration. The Greek word for destroy is apollumi which comes from two words apo meaning separation/inactivity and the word ollumi which can mean ruin; render useless.  If I wanted to render useless your car, I wouldn’t need to obliterate it. I could simply add water to your gas tank. The enemy doesn’t need to completely destroy us, he can simply render us useless by adding water to our gas tank; wearing us down, getting our eyes on stuff of earth and battering us with thoughts that aren’t helpful.

We can assist the enemy by overscheduling our own calendars, neglecting rest, and putting off times of refreshment in God’s Word and soaking in His presence.
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​We often focus on keeping everything in balance. Juggling time of family, ministry, and employment on the scales and keeping them in balance. But that’s a tricky act especially when these areas don’t weigh the same.

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​​​Instead, I like to picture Jesus’ idea of life to the full as Him filling us to overflowing. As we sit in His presence, we are filled with His joy, wisdom, discernment, and Spirit. Our life then overflows, pours out and refreshes the other areas of our life --- Filling them with purpose and passion.

“The key to contentment is not getting more time, energy, or money. But it is noticing more.” ~ Pastor Bob Reeves

• What are we noticing in our life? 
• Are we noticing our lack?
• What we’re not getting done?
• Events we’re missing?

OR are we noticing…

• The provision He gives
• The good in our lives
• The blessings of our relationships
• The significance of the time and place in which He has placed us

Our purpose is not in what we do but in how we live --- Living fully in what God has for us. We can be replenished by Him so out of the overflow we are fully living. 

In evaluating your own life:

• Is the enemy stealing and wreaking havoc in your life?
• Are you depleted and running on empty, trying to keep up with the balancing act?
• Are you living, but not fully where you want to be?

Set aside time to consider the questions below. Allow the refreshing Spirit of God to flow over and through you, bringing you back to your purpose of living life --- Life to the full.
Blessings on your week~
~Rachel

JUMP INTO THE CONVERSATION: In the comments, share with us any of these ideas below.

• How do you find refreshment for yourself mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically?
• What wreaks your balancing act in life?
• How can we pray for you this week?