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Jesus said, "I have come that you may have life and have it more abundant" (John 10:10).

Unfortunately, I meet people every day who are missing out on so much that life has to offer. I believe people are discouraged, depressed and feeling "under the weather" these days, far more than should be acceptable. Music legend, Otis Redding put it this way:

Sittin' in the morning sun,
I'll be sittin' when the evnin' comes,
Watchin' the ships roll in,
Then I'll watch'em roll away again,
Sittin' on the dock of the bay,
Watchin' the tide roll away,
Sittin' on the dock of the bay,
Wastin' time.
Looks like nothin's ever gonna change…


Living life to fullest is not about becoming a "thrill seeker" or traveling to exotic places. Nor does it mean we have to have plenty of money in the bank, popularity, and perfect health. When we search for happiness in circumstances or events, it lasts only as long as we are caught up in the moment. Real joy however, must be part of your daily agenda.

In fact, I believe anything less than making every day the best it can be is an insult to God. It is as if we say to God, "Thanks, but everything you've done for me is just not good enough."

Perhaps you've never given it much thought. He touches our lives daily, and gives us so many promises to live by. We should be ashamed when we find ourselves asking God for something else if we have not been fruitful with the time, abilities and resources He has already given us.

Christians believe the Bible is the divine handbook for life. If we fail to live by it, we cheat ourselves out of God's richest blessings; and simultaneously send mixed signals to a world in desperate need. Here are some words you can live by:

L is for Love – 1 Corinthians chapter 13 tells us that love never fails, and it is the greatest of all gifts. Jesus taught the highest expression of love is to lay down your life for others. We may not be face actually negotiating for the life of another with our own; but giving a little time and showing some compassion is usually more than adequate.

I is for Invest – Without an investment, there is no gain. When you invest your time, abilities, finances, etc. into something it is normal to expect a return. In fact, the more profitable we become in our own lives, the more we are equipped to help others. In Acts chapter 2 the entrepreneurial work of God's people was vital to insuring that everyone's needs were met.

V is for Volunteer – People with low self-esteem are almost always preoccupied with themselves. A study done at the University of Michigan revealed that people who volunteer their time on a regular basis heighten their overall zest for living and increase their life expectancy.

The question is, "What are you doing for others?"
A Middle Eastern saying goes: "When you were born, you cried, and the world rejoiced. May you live your life so that when you die, the world will cry, and you will rejoice."

We must learn to get over ourselves. Unlike investing, when we volunteer, we do so for the benefit of others without expecting anything in return. This allows us to nurture an unselfish attitude towards living.

E is for Eliminate – We must regularly evaluate our lives and eliminate unnecessary things that hinder us from growing as a person. It's kind of like cleaning out a closet. If you don't do it, the day will come when nothing else will fit.

Life is full of trade-offs. Don't lead such a cluttered life that it leaves no room for God. Learn to let go of the right things in exchange for living the abundant life He has designed for you.

Finish Line Christian Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Author Biography

Stephen Shives
Web site: Africa Freedom Mission
 
Steve's passion is teaching, training, and making disciples through the sharing of God's word. He hopes to use the gifting, experience, and call of God to aid AFM in developing leaders for the future to carry the Gospel of Jesus wherever they are called to serve.
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