10. I WILL EXPERIENCE MORE OF THE ABUNDANCE GOD DESIRES FOR ME WHEN I HAVE A TRUE SELF-IMAGE.
(Before looking at the questions below, take a few minutes to think about this statement. Invite Jesus to speak to you about what He would like you to notice.)
WHAT ABUNDANCE DO YOU MOST LONG FOR?
WHAT ABUNDANCE ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW?
WHAT KEEPS YOU FROM RECEIVING MORE OF GOD'S ABUNDANCE?
HOW MIGHT YOUR IMAGE OF YOURSELF OBSTRUCT THE ABUNDANCE GOD WANTS TO GIVE YOU?
Jesus says in John 10:10, “I came so that they would have life and have it abundantly” (NASB). So, what is the abundance that Jesus makes available to us? Most would agree that Jesus is not talking about an abundance of possessions, the way the world considers abundance. There are people who appear to have abundance from the world's viewpoint. But it seems that their "abundance" often fails to satisfy their longings and desires.
The abundance we most desire comes from deep within us. It is not a material or visible abundance but rather an inner experience of peace, goodness, and contentment. Jesus wants us to experience contentment (with or without possessions) and peace (with or without conflict). He longs for us to know his goodness, kindness, gentleness, self-control, love, and rest. In his sermon on the mount,
Jesus says that abundance is available to everyone, regardless of their physical condition. The abundance Jesus promises is ultimately available only through the work of his Spirit. We can't make happen. But we can arrange our lives and put ourselves in the space where it can happen. So how does my image of myself shape the abundance God longs for me?
It seems that there could be a few ways that knowing and owning our worth could help bring abundance into our lives. First, knowing that we are worthy can permit us to receive abundance. Often, we may feel unworthy and not be open to what is available to us. Second, knowing what makes us worthy can help us recalibrate how we would expect to experience abundance.
Since our worth is not tied to our actions, we can remind ourselves that our abundance will not be in actions, acquisitions, or appearance. Abundance is an inner goodness like peace, joy, and love. These experiences cannot be purchased, earned, or acquired. That is not to say our actions are unimportant, for it is true that they may prepare us and open us up to receiving abundance; but they are not the abundance. Another way that our image of self helps us experience God's goodness is in how it shapes our view of others.
As we learn that our worth is not in our actions, acquisitions, or appearance, we see that no one else's is either. We will stop comparing ourselves to others. We will be free to value ourselves and others and experience the abundance of relational peace. Our growing sense of worth opens us up to enjoying healthy relationships. We no longer need to compare or earn the favor of others. Best of all, we will experience this same freedom in our relationship with God. Knowing our incredible worth gives us confidence and self-assurance. It helps us live without fear of rejection, criticism, and judgment.
Finally, our sense of worthiness can foster a growing trust in God and his desire for our abundance. We can believe that he is actively working to bring about that abundance. The abundance that Jesus provides cannot be experienced apart from a deep and intimate relationship with God. If our image of ourselves does not allow for this kind of relationship, then we will not experience the abundance Jesus speaks of. God longs for us to experience abundance and is ready to provide that for us. Our part is to open ourselves to that abundance by holding an image of ourselves that frees God to do his work in us.