A is for Abundant Life, D is for Default (Inspiring)

Are you seeking to live an abundant life (A)? Rejoice because that is the Lord’s will for you! 

However, you will face enemy opposition. In John 10:10, Jesus declared: 

“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.”

Many believers are unaware of the enemy’s opposition and become discouraged when encountering struggles in life.

They do not know they are meant to live as new creations in Christ, who loves them to life!

Some are trapped in one or more of the world’s defaults (1 John 2:16):

• Lust of the flesh (gluttony, drunkenness, sexual sin, etc).
• Lust of the eyes (covetousness, materialism).
• The pride of life (hard-heartedness, rebellion).

Unfortunately, believers get the default (D) if we do not choose life connected with Christ each day through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

If you have issues in any of the above areas, I have an inspiring story that will help you turn toward an abundant life.

This story continues to shape my character to this day!

An Unexpected Choice

I took a cultural literature class when I was a high school senior with 29 other students. Our teacher decided to give us an assignment for extra credit. We had three choices as to which task to do:

• Memorize and recite a 16-line poem to receive an ‘A’ grade
• Memorize and recite a 12-line poem to receive a ‘B’ grade
• Memorize and recite a 4-line poem to receive a ‘D’ grade

She gave us one week to fulfill the assignment. On the appointed date, she asked each student to stand up and recite their chosen poem. 

One student recited the ‘A’ poem while another recited the ‘B’ poem. 

Guess what? The rest (28 out of 30 students) picked the ‘D’ poem assignment!

While the other 28 students applauded my recitation of the ‘A’ poem, I felt sad afterward. 

Why had the majority of students chosen to do the minimum, I wondered? 

Perhaps they saw the 16 lines, decided that the task was too challenging, and concluded the effort wasn’t worth it.

I’ll never know the reason. All I know is that the task was not challenging because of the approach the Lord showed me. 

I recommend applying this approach to any goal you have in life, including abundant life!

Establish your Daily Priorities

Recall that my teacher gave us three choices for which poem to recite. I decided to go for the ‘A’ poem, which was 16 lines.

I wanted the satisfaction of knowing I did my best because even if I fell short, I would still be better off than doing the minimum.

I believed I would be better off from the attempt!

Because we had one week to complete the assignment, I had to order my time that week towards that goal.

The Lord also gives us freedom to choose our daily priorities in life. As a loving Father, He also gives us guidance as to the best choice:

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days;

– Deuteronomy 30:19-20

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

– Matthew 6:33

Focus on the Process

To memorize my chosen poem, I did not focus on all 16 lines; I concentrated on learning 3-4 sentences per day the week before the assignment was due.

The 16 lines added up to help me reach my goal. 

In contrast, I believe the 28 students who memorized the four lines did so the night before the assignment was due.

Here is the difference: I did almost the same thing as the other 28 students (four new lines per day), except I did it seven days in a row vs. the one day!

Ordering your time to reflect on your priorities is not just a one-time act. Consistent action each day is the key – making it part of your daily routine.

Focus on Consistency

You will never get control of your life if you do not take control of your time each day. 

I love the definition of success vs. failure that the late author Jim Rohn wrote:

• Failure is a few errors in judgment, practiced every day
• Success is a few simple disciplines, practiced every day

I am sure you noticed both definitions have the same phrase in common: ‘practiced every day.’

What is your daily routine regarding spending time with the Lord in prayer (communication), praise/gratitude, worship, and studying His word?

The meaning of abundant life is experiencing an intimate, daily relationship with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit!

Here are some abundant life scriptures that illustrate this principle:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

– John 1:1-4

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

– John 14:6

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

– John 17:3

I hope you see the possibilities of enjoying abundant life every day rather than waiting until you obtain a specific goal.

If you set your priorities, focus on ordering your time each day toward them, and do so consistently, the choices will add up and achieve your goals!

If God says you can have it, why settle for less than His best for you?

When you pursue abundant life (A) each day, you are in the center of God’s will, which is the best place to be!

Be Blessed with Health, Healing, and Wholeness,

Kimberly Taylor

Author/Christian Life Coach of the Take Back Your Temple Weight Loss Community

P.S. Do you struggle with overeating sugar? If so, you are not alone!

Overcoming sugar addiction was a key factor on my weight loss journey; I lost 85 pounds and dropped from a size 22 to an 8.

In our 14-day Sugar Detox Challenge online course (inside the Take Back Your Temple Community), you’ll get the same success strategies and support to gain peace in your eating habits and achieve lasting weight loss.

Click here to learn more about the Take Back Your Temple Christian Weight Loss Community.