Flourishing

In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

This is a good promise to ponder as we celebrate Christmas. Jesus came that we could have life. And however much life we’ve received from Him, there’s more to be had.

It’s from this passage and others that we draw the idea that the Gospel promotes human flourishing; that God wants us to grow and know His blessing. As the Author and Source of Life, God wants more of it for us than we’ve known. So, however much life your walk with God has produce so far, there’s much, much more.  Abundance awaits.

That’s good for us to bear in mind as we live in a culture growing increasingly hostile to the Faith. Critics and scoffers cast the Gospel as intolerant of other lifestyles and Christians as dangerous subversives to an enlightened society. Some followers of Jesus add to that image by unwise remarks. By remembering the Gospel promotes human flourishing, it may alter the way we communicate the eternal message of Christ. Sin diminishes flourishing because it leads to sorrow and death. Obedience to God promotes life.

To keep this truth fresh, next time someone asks you how you’re doing and you’re doing well, tell them you’re flourishing. We’ve done this around our fellowship now for a couple years and it’s led to some amazing conversations with the lost.