Savage2Saint Sobriety September 1, 2025

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. – John 10:10 (KJV).

What does your abundant life look like? Is it a nice house with fancy cars and a big bank account? Is it a career with the highest paying job and the best benefits? Or does it look more like a healthy marriage with a healthy family? If you asked a thousand people you would likely get a thousand different answers. According to Mirriam-Webster, the word abundant means existing or available in large quantities; plentiful; amply supplied. 

For some, having an abundant life looks a lot like having a successful life. But is having a successful life the true measuring stick of having an abundant life? For some, having an abundant amount of material possessions is equal to success. For others, success has a slightly different look to it. It's not about having the biggest house, as much as it is about getting a place to call their own. It's not about the highest paying job but instead being able to hold a job down past the first paycheck. For an alcoholic or addict, being successful is simply making it through today sober. Success is not the measuring stick for an abundant life.

So, what is the abundant life Jesus is referring to? When I think about an abundant life I think about the things the “thief” has stolen, killed, and destroyed in my life. I think about the times when my peace was stolen or when my joy was killed. I think about the brief periods of success I’ve had in the past that were utterly destroyed because my life was built on the sand, and not on the Rock, Jesus Christ. I believe Jesus was talking about finding true happiness that’s only found in Him. I believe Jesus was talking about being able to look in the mirror and liking the person you see.

Material possessions and successes bring us temporary moments of happiness, but the peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7) and unspeakable joy (1 Peter 1:8) are only found in a relationship with Jesus. The abundant life that Jesus offers means you are amply supplied with overwhelming amounts of love, joy, peace, and happiness, regardless of the size of your house or the type of car you drive. It’s about finding the contentment Paul wrote of, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” – Philippians 4:11 (KJV). 

Are you truly happy with your place in life or are you constantly wanting more? Does your abundant life line up with His abundant life? Jesus wants you to have His abundant life, because that’s what people will see in you that will draw them to Him. God Bless!