Prioritites

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Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Jesus Christ (Matthew 6.33-34)

Priorities – I think that is the key to living the abundant life. There are a lot of evangelist and self-help motivators that try to convince us that their formula is the secret to success. I am leery of their “magic secrets”  They remind me of the snake-oil salesmen in the wild west. Their way promotes _____ ( wealth, happiness, love - you fill in the blanks) and we can go on in our lives as if nothing else matters. They even use religious angles to try to cheat you out of your hard-earned cash. “Buy this Blessed cross and your life’s troubles will disappear” 

Many preachers quote John 10:10 as support for the idea that Christianity leads to physical prosperity and "every good thing." The verse has been used as a description of the Christian life, the normative pattern of life that Christians can expect because of God's blessings.

Other scriptures, including the salutation of 3 John 2, "I wish above all things that you prosper and be in good health," are also used to teach that Christians are promised health and wealth if they have enough faith. However, the New Testament usually emphasizes a radically different result of following Christ. We are told that we will be persecuted, that Christ's message is divisive, that we will need to take up our cross and follow him, that the normative expectation for Christian is suffering. Job promotions, new cars, and throwing away crutches are not among the fringe benefits offered by Jesus Christ. 3 John 2 appears as a part of the introductory comments of the letter, and it was meant specifically for a man named Gaius. It was simply part of the polite way to begin a letter in those days, and similar greetings are found in other ancient writings. One manual of letter writing explains that this the is appropriate was to begin a letter.  Someone today might begin a letter by saying, "I hope that this letter finds you in good health." It is not meant as a promise. Likewise, 3 John 2 should not be used as a promise that God applies to all his people. This scripture does not guarantee that Gaius, or any other Christians, will be rich or that they will never suffer from sickness or disease.

And in order to understand what John 10:10 means, we need to look at its context. Chapter 10 develops the biblical theme of sheep and the shepherd. The shepherd is accessible to the sheep. Strangers do not have a personal relationship with the flock, but the good shepherd does. Verse 10 draws the contrast between Jesus and false shepherds, the thieves who come to kill, steal and destroy. By following the Good Shepherd, the sheep will find food and shelter, whereas if they were to follow the thief, they would be led down the path to destruction.  John 20:31 describes the purpose of this Gospel. Speaking of the miracles and signs, John says, "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." Jesus' main purpose was the salvation (health) of the sheep, which he defined as free access to pasture and fullness of life. Under his protection and by his gift they can experience the best life can offer. In the context of John's emphasis on eternal life, this statement takes on new significance. Jesus can give a whole new meaning to living because he provides full satisfaction and perfect guidance.

In its volume on John, the Tyndale New Testament Commentaries summarizes the passage that leads up to John 10:10: 

Those who are really "His own" listen to His voice. They recognize that He has been sent from God, and are ready to follow Him as the good Shepherd, who by His sacrificial love rescues His flock from evil and death, and leads them into the best of all pasturage where they can enjoy a richer and a fuller life (9,10). He does not offer them an extension of physical life nor an increase of material possessions, but the possibility, nay the certainty, of a life lived at a higher level in obedience to God's will and reflecting His glory.

In summary, John 10:10 should not be used as though it gives some promise of an improved physical life for the Christian. Such a view, in light of the context, is shallow, and it overlooks the profound truth of the passage. The passage promises superior, superabundant spiritual life, life empowered by the indwelling of Jesus Christ. Because Christians "have" Jesus Christ, because he lives within them, they have the riches of the superabundant life. This is what Paul meant when he said he counted all things loss, that he might win Christ. John 10:10 promises a spiritual dimension to life, not physical abundance. A focus on the physical trivializes the profound depth of John 10:10.

The “secret” to success is GIVING. By focusing on others, we gain the reward of our Creator

as well as the satisfaction of knowing we are following Christ’s example in life. If we seek 

God’s righteous Will in interacting with GOD and our neighbors, we gain the approval of our 

CREATOR and therefore fulfill our life’s purpose. THAT is success.  

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be 

added to you.  

This reminds me of a sermon I heard about God giving you everything you want. This is true 

ONLY when you allow God to change your “wanter” to align with His. God is NOT a prayer 

Vending machine. 

HE is the Ruler of all there was,  is and will be. 

Who are YOU(or I) to tell him what to do? (Job 38:1-42:6)

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene