There are different worldviews and opinions about what path we need to take in order to reach a state of abundant life. By abundant life, I’m not just referring to a life of riches or wealth. Neither am I referring to a life that is lived in excess. Rather, I’m referring to a complete life that is not lacking in any department. A wholesome life. A rounded life. A content life. The blessed life. I conducted a small study of different worldviews and I’ve summarised their different approaches to attaining a state of abundant life.
Materialism says, “Buy your way out”. Politicians say, “Legislate your way through”. The military says, “Conquer all opposition”. Philosophy says, “Think it through”. Science says “Prove it to me”. Celebrity says, “Fame will get you there”. Vanity says, “Look the part”. Power says, “Take it from the weak”. Islam says, “Mohammed is the final prophet”. Buddhism says “Awaken your soul”. Tolerance says, “We can all get along”. Hinduism says, “Karma determines the cycle of life”. Feminism says, “Our power lies in our gender”. Chauvisnists say, “Women were made to serve us”. Atheism says, “There is no God”. Agnostics say, “God’s existence or non-existence cannot be proven”. Industrialism says, “Work work work”. Communism says “Equality at all costs”. Democracy says, “Majority carries the vote”. Capitalism says, “Maximise your profits”. Racism says, “We were not created equal”.
There are many more worldviews circulating the globe today but dare I say they have all failed in providing the pathway to a complete and wholesome life or what the bible calls an abundant life. In one way or another, they have all fallen short. These concepts borrow fragments of truth from the one true solution to life’s ills.
The world may have so much to say about how to live an abundant life but God says that “Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one comes to the Father except through Him”. In Jesus lies the answer to all of life’s problems. When we don’t know which way to turn, He is our Way. When we are faced with the lies and deception dangled at us by the world, He is our Truth. When life doesn’t seem worth living anymore, He is our Life.
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). – John 10:10
Watchman, this is such a thought-provoking yet wonderful post. You said it all when you said, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. When I read this post, I can hear calmness & gentleness your message entails. What an invitation you created with this post!!!! Many, many blessings to you…Robin
Hi Robin! Thanks so much for your kind words. May Christ become everyone’s reality. Our gentle Saviour is waiting for so many to come back home. God bless
“Enter ye in at the straight gate for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction and many there be which go in thereat, because narrow is the gate that leads to LIFE and few there be that find it.” Everybody who says they’re going to heaven needs to read Matthew 7: 13-14 before their live comes to an end. I have a sermon I have yet to preach entitled, “The Blessings of Being a Narrow-minded Christian” which points up pretty much everything you mentioned here in your insightful blog.
“Enter ye in at the the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. -Matthew 7: 13-14. I have a sermon that have yet to preach entitled, “The Blessing of Being a Narrow-Minded Christian: And we must be kindred spirits because we seem to share the same thoughts on what What is said in the Word of God. Especially concerning this particular topic.
Hi Spencer! Thanks so much for your comment. I get the sense we will make good friends on blogosphere and even beyond that! I love the title of your proposed sermon. I totally agree that it is a blessing to be a narrow-minded Christian. It makes life so much easier. Are you a Pastor if I may ask?
Good morning Watchman, no I am not a pastor. I am an associate minister with a rewarding leadership position in the Church I attend. However, I do love to preach God’s Word every chance it get. I am hoping to start an evangelistic ministry in the near future.
Hi Spencer. It’s great to know you have a passion for preaching the gospel. I pray that your plans to start an evangelistic ministry will become a successful reality. May Jesus be glorified. God bless
Please excuse my typos.