A Life to the Full

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        "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that you may have life and life to the full." ~John 10:10
        What is Jesus promising us? Money? A good job? A family? Popularity? Success? What exactly is a life to the full?
        Jesus isn't promising us any material blessings. Even though by His grace He does bless us with material things, what He is promising here is a life with Him. A life with Him means a life to the full. It also means that as you get to know Him more, He changes you to be more like Him. While this doesn't mean we won't have hard times in our life (Jesus did!) it does mean that in every circumstance we have the option of joy in Him.
        Jesus gives joy. What is joy? Joy is different than happiness. Happiness is fleeting, and is experienced through transient things such as pizza, new clothes, a fun game, a new job, good relationships . Joy doesn't have to be fleeting. It is something received solely from the Lord. We can have joy in all circumstances when we are able to view our lives in light of His will, His sacrifice of His son for us, and the depths of His unimaginable love. Happiness fluctuates depending on outward circumstances, joy fluctuates depending on whether or not you realize the reality of your situation-Jesus died for you.
       Joy doesn't have to fluctuate, happiness does.
Are you living a life to the full?

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