Abundant Lollypops

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 10:10

Isn’t this the picture of abundant life?  Seriously.  A two year old with not one, but two lollypops!  Isn’t this what Jesus came to offer?  A life of abundance?

So where does that fit in when we struggle financially?  Where’s the abundance when we have a difficult time finding the money we need to pay our bills, care for our children, plan for the future?  What can I say to a Christian in a foreign country who lack even the most basic thing needed for survival like clean water and food.

Is there some sin keeping us from that elusive financial abundance?  Could it be that Christ’s promise was only for some?  Or did He not really bring that abundance he promised after all?

Or could it be that the abundant life he speaks of goes far beyond being simply financial.  Could it be that an abundant life is possible even in the remote regions of Africa or the crowded cities of India?  Can we live abundantly in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control regardless of the balance of our bank accounts?  Or will it take us truely crucifing our flesh along with it’s passions and desires to begin to live a truly abundant life?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.  And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

Galatians 5:22-24