We begin to imitate Christ in our thoughts, actions, words and opinions of others. Not even a finger is left on any activity or thought all is surrendered to the control of Jesus. It means getting to the point where we take our hands completely off our lives. We need to adopt the attitude Jesus has: Empty ourselves of our selves, become slaves to Christ and servants of each other, humble and obedient. Paul speaks of this imitation of Christ in the letter to the Philippians. What did he mean? I believe Jesus meant that to have this “full” life, this abundant life, is to live so close to him that we become one with him. And in the middle of all this Jesus spoke of the abundant life, a life lived to the fullest. When Jesus looked at the Palestinian countryside, he saw the hunger, oppression and sin and each person’s personal rebellion against him, as well as the peaceful sheep and the green pastures. He warns us that we will suffer, but he has sent the Comforter, his Holy Spirit, to help us through the darkness. But Jesus knows all about the sin and evil of this life. Sin has caused a traumatic disruption to the life that God originally planned for us. We should be reminded that life is not always green pastures and quiet, peaceful scenes. Just what is this “abundant life, life to the fullest” that Jesus talks about? Could it be a life with plenty to eat, good health, all the money we want and few troubles to bother us? Life in lush, green pastures? Did he come to give us the kind of abundant life that is comfortable and convenient? He is discussing his role as the Good Shepherd and in verse 10 states his purpose on earth: “I came so that they could have life - indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest” (CEB). In the first 10 verses of John 10, Jesus addresses this important topic. When Jesus talks about living life to the fullest, I believe he has something very different in mind. Maybe using every moment of each day and filling the days with activities is one way of “living life to the fullest.” We stir also, trying to fill the “extra” hours of sunlight with things we enjoy doing, or maybe with the things that just need to be done. The days begin to lengthen, and the sleeping earth begins to stir from its winter rest. Spring is a favorite season for many of us. There are many paths in between for those who are searching for the most from life. Many people take the secular path to happiness and fulfillment, while others seek the “fullness of life” along the spiritual road. How this “fullness of life” is achieved is open to many opinions and interpretations. A small gift of $5.00 can go toward our goal of helping people grow in faith, heal, laugh, and thrive-both locally and globally.Not too many people would disagree that each day of our lives needs to be lived to the fullest. If this was helpful to you, we’d be grateful for your support. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good” (Romans 8:26-28, MSG). He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. “Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. The Message version says this verse this way: So, feel free to dig a little deeper into the meaning of this verse with these resources: We get the most out of each verse when we understand them in context. This sure foundation is deeper than all your circumstances and feelings.” The security of a Christian is solidly grounded on the unwavering love of God. It is possibly the most daring statement of faith in the whole of the New Testament. ‘You are… glorified.’ This use of the aorist (completed) tense shows Paul’s certainty about the future – it has already been secured. However, Paul uses the same past tense for all of them. The first four events have happened, but glorification is a future event. He elaborates in verses 29–30 – you are foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified. Supremely, the cross demonstrates that just as God took the very worst event in history and turned it into the very best he can take the worst things in your life and use them for good. In everything he works for the good of those who love him. God will take even your errors and work them out for your good. “In every detail of your life, God is at work. This explanation from the Bible in One Year says it best:
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