How Becoming a Minister and Living Out Christ’s Teachings Has Shaped My Sense of Abundance
When I look back over my journey, one verse that always stands out is John 10:10. In this verse, Jesus says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” I have become a minister of the gospel. I strive to live out the teachings of Christ. I have often asked myself what that “abundant life” really means. Over the years, the meaning has deepened and grown richer for me. I want to share in simple terms what I think Jesus meant. I’d like to explain how I’ve come to experience it.
The Everyday Meaning of John 10:10
We often hear people say, “Jesus came to give us life.” But sometimes, life feels like anything but abundant. Bills pile up, relationships get strained, and worries about the future can weigh us down. If abundance just means “a lot,” we wonder where it is. Yet, the life Jesus talks about isn’t just about having more stuff or more comfort. It’s about a fullness and richness that goes far deeper—right into the heart of what it means to be human.
Understanding the Setting: Sheep, Thieves, and the Good Shepherd
To really grasp what Jesus was getting at, it helps to know the story he was telling. He uses a picture from everyday life in his time: sheep, and the people who look after them. The sheep rely on their shepherd for everything—food, water, safety, and guidance. They know their shepherd’s voice and trust them with their very lives.
But there are also dangers. Thieves can sneak in to harm or steal the sheep. The shepherd’s job isn’t just about leading, but protecting and laying down their life if needed. Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd, and calls us his sheep. He highlights a stark difference. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. In contrast, the shepherd comes to give, protect, and nurture.
Who Is the Thief, and What’s Jesus Really Saying?
When Jesus talks about the thief, he’s not just telling a story about livestock. He’s warning us about anything—people, ideas, pursuits—that promises life but actually leaves us empty. In his day, it was false religious leaders. In ours, it is the endless chase for money, approval, or entertainment, as well as false and corrupt leaders. Those things look promising, but in the end, they can steal our peace and joy, leaving us spiritually drained.
Jesus, in contrast, says his purpose is to give us a life that’s full to the brim. It overflows in ways that stuff or status can never match. That’s what makes the difference between surviving and truly living.
What Does “Abundant Life” Mean to Me?
As a minister, I get to walk alongside people in all kinds of situations—joy, sorrow, hope, and pain. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that abundant life doesn’t mean life without hardship. In fact, some of my most abundant moments have been in the middle of struggle. For me, it’s about depth, not just comfort. It’s about having a sense of purpose, peace, and joy, no matter what’s happening on the outside.
- More Than Just Existing: There was a time when I thought abundance meant having everything go right. These days, I see it more as waking up with hope and going to bed with gratitude. It’s about facing challenges with courage and knowing that, no matter what, I am loved and held by God.
- Joy in Service: Becoming a minister has given me a perspective on abundance I never expected. It’s in the moments when I help someone in need. It’s when I comfort a grieving family. It’s when I celebrate someone’s new beginning. The joy that comes from serving others in love is a taste of that abundance Jesus promised.
- Peace That Stays: Abundant life means having a peace that doesn’t leave when trouble comes. There have been dark days in my ministry journey—times I doubted myself or felt overwhelmed. But the peace of Christ is like an anchor. It doesn’t always take away the storm, but it keeps me steady through it.
- Belonging and Relationship: At its core, abundant life is about relationship—with God and with others. Being part of a loving community, knowing I am not alone, and sharing life with others makes every day richer.
Abundant Life Isn’t About “Stuff”
Some people think that “abundant life” is about having lots of things—money, houses, cars, success. But I’ve met people with very little material wealth who are overflowing with joy and love. On the other hand, I’ve seen others with plenty of possessions who feel empty inside. Jesus wasn’t promising us riches or a problem-free life. He was promising us a life filled with meaning, purpose, and deep satisfaction—the kind that doesn’t depend on circumstances.
I remember a time early in my ministry when I was struggling financially. I worried about paying bills and wondered if I’d made the wrong choice. Yet, in those lean years, I experienced community care. I also felt prayer and kindness from others. These experiences made me feel rich in ways I can’t explain. That’s abundance—having a full heart, even if the wallet is thin.
How Do We Experience Abundant Life?
Jesus said that abundant life comes from knowing him and following his teachings. It isn’t about checking boxes or following a long list of rules. It’s about trusting him, loving others, forgiving, and living with hope. It’s about letting his words shape our choices and our outlook.
I’ve discovered that when I focus less on myself and more on serving others, life opens up in beautiful ways. When I make an conscience effort to love, forgive, and care the way Jesus did, the burdens get lighter. Even difficulties have more meaning.
- Trust: Trusting Jesus means letting go of fear and knowing that, come what may, I am never alone.
- Love: Love is at the core of Jesus’s message. Loving God and loving others transforms ordinary moments into abundant ones.
- Hope: Abundant life means living with hope, even when things look grim. Jesus gives us hope that goes beyond what we can see.
Eternal Life: A Deeper Promise
When Jesus talks about life, he isn’t just talking about the here and now. He’s also talking about eternal life—a promise that stretches beyond our time on earth. For me, being a minister has made this hope feel even more real. I’ve sat with people at the end of their earthly lives. I’ve seen the comfort that comes from knowing there is more. Abundant life begins now, but it doesn’t end here.
Why This Matters for Everyone
So what does all this mean for someone just trying to make it through the day? It means you don’t have to settle for just “getting by.” You don’t have to live with a sense of emptiness or aimlessness. Jesus’s offer is for everyone—an invitation to experience life with meaning, love, and hope.
You might be exploring faith for the first time, or maybe you’ve heard these words a thousand times. Either way, take a moment and ask yourself: What would it look like to live more abundantly? Where do you find joy, meaning, and hope? Are there places in your life where you need more purpose or peace?
Practical Ways to Lean Into Abundant Life
If you’re curious about this promise of abundant life, here are a few steps you can try:
- Read Jesus’s Words: The Gospel of John is a great starting point. Let his words sink in.
- Talk to People of Faith: Ask others what abundant life means to them. Everyone’s story is different, and you find encouragement in their experiences.
- Reflect: Spend a little time each day thinking or praying about what gives your life meaning and joy.
- Serve Others: Try reaching out to someone in need or volunteering. Service is one of the surest ways to experience the abundance Jesus talked about.
- Join Community: Life is richer when shared. Consider finding a faith community where you feel welcomed and supported.
Final Reflections
For me, the abundant life Jesus promised came alive. It happened when I said “yes” to the call of ministry. I began to live out his teachings. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. There’s a richness in knowing I am loved by God. Loving others adds to this richness. It involves having a purpose bigger than myself. That’s abundance—a life that is full, meaningful, and anchored in hope.
And the good news is, it’s not just for ministers or religious leaders. It’s for everyone. No matter where you are, Jesus invites you into a life that is more than just surviving—it’s thriving. It’s a life of deep joy, connection, and purpose. That’s what he meant by “abundant life.” And in my experience, it’s the greatest gift of all.
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