Embracing the “More” in Your Spiritual Journey
Have you ever watched a TV infomercial and heard the phrase "But wait, there's more!"? That enticing promise of additional value beyond what's initially offered is a powerful marketing tactic. But what if I told you that this concept applies to your spiritual life in a profound and transformative way?
No matter where you are on your faith journey, there is always more waiting for you. The Bible affirms this truth in various ways:
"What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9)
"I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)
These verses hint at a future filled with unimaginable blessings and experiences that God has in store for His followers. But how do we tap into this "more" in our daily lives?
The key lies in intentionally living like Jesus lived and doing what Jesus did. It's about creating a faith community that is irresistible to those far from Jesus, indispensable to those following Him, and impactful with His love. This journey of "more" requires us to step out of our comfort zones and into situations where we must rely on God's strength rather than our own capabilities.
As Eugene Peterson once wrote, "Not knowing what I am doing is more or less what it feels like when I am trusting God and following Jesus." This sentiment captures the essence of faith – stepping into the unknown with the intention of following Christ.
To experience the "more" God has for us, we can focus on three key intentions:
1. Deepening Your Relationship with God
The apostle Paul expressed an insatiable hunger to know Christ more deeply in Philippians 3:8-11. He considered everything else as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. This perspective shift is crucial – seeing Jesus not just as a part of life, but as life itself.
Deepening our relationship with God involves more than accumulating facts about Him. It's about knowing Him intimately, personally, and experientially. It's about allowing our understanding of who Jesus is to transform how we live.
Like the foundation of the One World Trade Center, which extends 70 feet into the ground to support its towering height, our relationship with God forms the unseen foundation that allows us to stand tall in our faith.
2. Discovering Your Unique Contribution
As we grow closer to God, we begin to grasp the unique ways the Holy Spirit has gifted us for the growth and maturity of His church. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 reminds us that there are varieties of gifts, services, and activities, all empowered by the same God for the common good.
Imagine a football team where players swap positions randomly. It would be chaotic and ineffective. Similarly, in God's church, everyone has a unique gift and place on the field. When we discover and use our spiritual gifts, we contribute to the church becoming indispensable to those following Jesus.
Remember, there are no bench players in God's church. Everyone has a vital role to play.
3. Experiencing Abundant Life
Jesus declared in John 10:10, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." This abundant life isn't about personal strength or resilience; it's about surrendering to the Lordship and guidance of Jesus.
Many Christians live below the joy, security, and strength levels Jesus intends for them because they try to achieve abundant life through their own power. True abundance comes from recognizing that we are loved and valued by God, regardless of our performance or others' opinions.
The abundant life begins where our self-sufficiency ends. When we surrender to Jesus, we open ourselves to a life that exceeds our wildest expectations.
To help discover how God has uniquely equipped you for this journey of "more," consider the GRASP acronym:
G - Gifting: Discover your unique spiritual gifts.
R - Role: Recognize the roles you currently play in life.
A - Abilities: Identify your natural talents and skills.
S - Scripture: Align your vision with God's Word.
P - Passions: Identify what breaks your heart and motivates you to action.
As you reflect on these areas, ask yourself: What do I want Jesus to do for me? In Luke 18, Jesus healed a blind man who boldly asked for his sight to be restored. Jesus invites us to ask boldly and according to His will.
The cross stands as a testament to God's willingness to withhold nothing for our abundant life. If Jesus gave everything there, why would He hold anything back from us now?
Far too many of us settle for merely surviving when Jesus offers us an abundant life. There is more waiting for you – will you ask for it? Will you receive it? Will you surrender to Jesus so you can have it?
Your spiritual journey is not meant to be a stagnant experience. It's an invitation to continually discover the "more" that God has in store for you. By deepening your relationship with Him, discovering your unique contribution, and embracing the abundant life He offers, you open yourself to a faith experience that is rich, fulfilling, and transformative.
Don't settle for less when there's so much more waiting for you. Step out in faith, ask boldly, and watch as God reveals the incredible plans He has for your life. Remember, with God, there's always more!