Abundant life

John 10: 10

"My purpose is to give life in all its fullness" (NLT)

Yesterday, at a ladies group we were talking about discipleship. I guess this is the 'buzz' word among many churches these days, especially after Dallas Willard's book "The Great Omission". In the group, we were reading together a book "Choose the life: exploring a faith that embraces discipleship" by Bill Hull. In chapter two entitled, "The need for the life", the question "Why do I have to be a disciple?" arose. Someone asked whether discipleship is optional. I would agree with the author that non -discipleship Christianity does not exist in Scripture. But at the same time, I would be hesitant to give an answer about a person's salvation if he or she chooses not to embrace a life of discipleship.

In my response yesterday, I was led to the verse above: Jesus' purpose for coming is to give life in all its fullness. Rather than focusing on the potential perils of non-discipleship, why don't we focus on the abundant life that comes with discipleship? Some in the group commented that such a life is difficult to live. Indeed so, but if Jesus has promised the abundant life, we can be sure that such a life is found when we allow ourselves to be his sheep and he our Shepherd. As sheep, we are to follow and to listen to the voice of our Shepherd. As Jesus warned, there are many 'thieves and robbers' whose purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. In our lives today, there are so many alluring voices (this theme seems to come up again and again) calling for our attention and promising different versions of the abundant life. In my own experience, being Jesus' 'sheep' in today's world is never a one time commitment. We no longer live in the simpler agrarian society of Jesus' time. Each day brings new distractions, new choices and new temptations. I truly need a vital and intentional relationship with Jesus if my faith is to remain healthy. This may sound like 'hard work' to many. But those who have long walked the journey will tell us, "It is well worth the effort. We have experienced the abundant life in all circumstances, however challenging". Yes, I can concur. I have seen glimpses of it in my own life.