Abundant Living

I believe an abundant life is possible for every believer. In fact, an abundant life is God’s design and desire for all people. In John 10:10, Jesus explains that, “The thief comes only to destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Unfortunately, most believers are stuck in the world’s system and remain in financial slavery. I believe God has called me to help believers break out of this financial bondage and embrace a truly free life of abundance. 

The key to living an abundant life is allowing God to transform you according to Rom 12: 2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

This process (sanctification) involves moving away from the “pattern of this world,” which uses money as a tool to enslave you, and becoming more and more like Jesus. Transformation happens as your mind is renewed, meaning you begin to think, feel, and act differently. This process involves filling your mind with the right Biblical thoughts, seeking God’s will through prayer, and behaving in alignment with what He reveals. 

Often, this involves seeking help (coaching/discipleship) to work through how to make wise biblical choices, adopting new financial patterns, and adjusting your lifestyle to achieve what God is putting on your heart.

The world’s system has trained us to look at our circumstances from a worldly perspective, which results in a constant desire for more, and comparing ourselves with others. This leads to thoughts like, “I’ll never have enough” or “I’d be happy if I had…”, which leads to feelings like pride (if we have more than others) or envy (if we have less). As a result, we end up spending money we don’t have, to buy things we don’t need, to impress people we don’t like!

Coaching uses a straightforward biblical approach to change this sinful cycle, based on Romans 12:1-2. First, we help you develop a daily habit of making Christ Lord of your life, by presenting yourself as “living sacrifices.” Next, we work on “renewing your mind” and helping you learn to see your circumstances not as your current financial situation, but from your position in Christ (saved, loved, child of God). From that firm foundation, we start working on transforming your thoughts and taking each one captive (2 Cor 10:5). As we align your thoughts with the truth of who you are in Christ, your feelings start to change as well. Where you once felt envy or greed, you begin to feel gratitude and generosity. As you break free from the slavery of the world’s system, you are able to begin stewarding the resources God has provided in a way that is pleasing to Him. You are left, like Paul (Phil 4:11-13), with contentment and peace. 

While we help you develop this new abundant mindset, we also start the work of tackling your current financial situation. We assess where you are, pray about and set goals for where you want to go, and work on practical steps to achieve your goals. As we go, we continue to evaluate, ask God for wisdom, and His priorities. In a matter of months, you will likely see significant improvement in you financial situation as you allow God to change you.

A truly abundant life (real life) is a deep relationship with God through Jesus. John 17:3 Jesus tells us, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”  Through the transformation Jesus does in us (Rom 12:2), our focus changes from material abundance to spiritual abundance including, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). 

An abundant life is characterized by faith in God’s provision, and contentment with what God has provided. Paul demonstrated his understanding of an abundant life in Phil 4:11-13 where he declares, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” and assures the believers that, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Abundant living is charaterized by generous giving out of a heart of gratitude for everything God has provided believers through the incredible gift of Jesus (Cor 9:6-15).

An abundant life is not found in the value of a person’s investment portfolio, the calculation of their “net worth”, luxurious cars and houses, or even education. Jesus explained this to his disciples in a parable (Luke 12:15 – 21). He starts by warning them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” After illustrating the foolishness of hoarding wealth rather than dependence on God, in an attempt to create security, Jesus concludes his parable with God telling the foolish man that he will unexpectedly die that night, and all of his possessions will be given to others. Finally he explains to his disciples that “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich towards God.”

Jesus makes clear to his disciples that they can depend on God to provide for their needs (Matt 6:19-34), but he does not promise us health and wealth. James 4:3 tells us that “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” God is offering us an abundant life in relationship with Jesus, which is more precious than gold! He is not promising us a life of wealth and luxury.