1st October 2024

We often think of living as living well physically, living the high life as some say. Many focus on what they can attain in possessions, what they can gain in the way of notoriety, and perhaps living a long and healthy life. It all comes down to what I can do to live a happy life. I have heard people say the words often: ‘If I could only [fill in the blank] do this, I would be happy.’ But would they? There always seems to be something else they need to make life perfect. The more we have, the more we want, and the more things that are required for a happy life. We are just setting ourselves up for disappointment and unfulfillment. The truth is that things do not bring happiness for very long. What we really need is not found in these kinds of things.

I heard of an incident where someone had begun to hoard things they thought they needed to survive in a small trailer. They added and added the comforts of life until one day the floor fell out of the trailer and all things were lost. The things of this life can quickly be taken away; life-altering things. It can be poor health, accidents, or the theft of others. Here in John 10, we find that true wealth is the life that only God can provide. Abundant life can only come from the giver of life, God. Jesus was calling out those who tried to control others without concern for those they were to care for. They only cared for themselves. They quickly abandoned others to save themselves (vv. 12-13). 

Jesus is the one true love. The one who cares for us honestly and deeply. When we raised sheep many years ago, we had sent some ewes out to be bred on another farm. The owners there said our sheep would not listen to them, they paid no attention to their sheepdog, and in fact, they would run away from them. They did not recognise their voice. We were the ones who had taken care of them, and they trusted us. Jesus said that his own would recognise him (vv. 14-16). Jesus is the one who gave his all for us. Jesus is the one who saves us, who keeps us safe (v. 9). Jesus is the one who gave us life, and he wants us to have this life to the full.

I am still learning what this thing called life is all about. I have tried to look at things from my own perspective, but now I need to unlearn my ways of thinking and learn the ways of Jesus. I am learning to recognise the voice of God. As I learn from Jesus, I am confident that Jesus will always be faithful and kind. I need not follow anyone else for he holds my life in his hands. He will never let go. He will always have my best interest in mind. He has come to give us true life, and to give it to the full. What a wonderful Saviour we have!

Local congregation:
You are welcome to attend one of our local church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation check on our website, Grace Communion International | Grace Communion International under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church