May 22, 2022
Why Settle for a Regular Life?
by Shadi Hrichi
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 ESV
I love my handy little label maker. Truth be told, I use it more than necessary.
Not that long ago, a friend asked me if I would print some labels for her. Of course, I was delighted! Apparently, her family enjoyed having a variety of coffee. However, they kept confusing the different coffee containers. My friend liked her home clean and tidy. Ugly masking tape on the containers simply would not do.
So she asked me to make her the following labels:
- Decaf
- Half-Caf
- Regular
- Espresso
When I met her the next day, this is what I gave her:
- Lie to Me
- Half-Truths
- He is Risen
- Eternal Life
She loved them! And no one ever mistook one coffee for another again.
We all have our personal tastes, even when it comes to Christianity. For some, lies are simply more attractive than the truth. Others might pick and choose parts they like and discard ones they find less appetizing. Even among those who receive the Savior, many quickly settle back into a regular life. But for a bold and courageous few, nothing less than exhilarating Eternal Life will do. Right here. Right now.
These are the ones who take Jesus at His Word, “I am the resurrection and the Life.” (John 11:25 ESV)
Why settle for a regular life when Jesus promises so much more? “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3 ESV)
Eternal life does not begin when we enter Heaven; Eternal Life begins when Jesus enters us! He says so Himself: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 ESV)
Jesus is talking about the here and now. From the beginning to when we enter glory, God takes holy pleasure in blessing His children who humbly walk with Him (Matthew 7:11). God does not call us to a mundane life without purpose or joy. To the contrary, once we belong to Him, our lives suddenly have a greater purpose than anything we could have previously conceived!
In Christ, we are invited to participate in God’s redemptive plan for mankind. Each of us has been uniquely gifted, called, and positioned by God to make a difference in this world. The moment we embrace these truths, He fills us with Himself so that we can be poured out into a dry and weary world.
“Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14 ESV)
How about you? Have you settled for a regular life? What would it look like to take hold of Jesus’s promise, “I am the resurrection and the Life”?
Do you need some fresh ideas to help kick-start your Quiet Time”? Get your FREE guide: 7 Simple Ideas to Refresh Your Quiet Times. May the Lord bless you as you seek to grow closer to Him!
This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).
Shadia holds an MA in Biblical and Theological Studies, as well as an MA in Criminal Justice. Currently residing in northern California, Shadia regularly speaks at churches and women’s events and loves to visit the ocean each week for ”a date with Jesus.” Visit www.shadiahrichi.com
Join the conversation: What has changed for the good in your life since coming to know the Lord?
Originally published Sunday, 22 May 2022.
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