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Here is an excerpt from my devotional book Victorious Mindsets.
I Love Life
Overcoming Working for God, Instead of Working with God
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life...more abundantly” (John 10:10). “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil...” (1 Peter 3:10).
Do you love life? I am not asking if you love God, but something different. Do you truly love to be alive? Peter lets us know there is a pathway to “loving life.” Jesus said He came to give not just eternal life, but an abundant one.
The Greek word for abundant in John 10:10 is “perissos” which means "superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); excessive; advantage; exceedingly; very highly; and beyond measure." If we combine any of these words with “life,” we realize we have been promised something wonderful for living now.
One main way to grow in loving life is to focus on working with God instead of for God. This perspective will help us be child-like, which will enable us to see life as full of possibilities, adventure, and opportunities (because we are friends with a good and big God). Those with a “working for God” mindset can find it difficult to live life to its fullest because their belief that God is evaluating them rather than on their side creates a fear of inadequacy and punishment.
When we’re doing well, a “working with God” mindset can be easier than when we’re struggling, if we wrongly believe we must “get our act together” before reconnecting with God.
This mistaken thinking is at the root of why many Christians don’t love life. Hebrews 4:15-16 is an antidote to this error and an igniter to loving life. “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses...Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace...and find grace to help in time of need.” Even in our weaknesses, the Father delights in giving grace (divine enablement), so we can experience abundant life. Now that is good news!
LIES TO OVERCOME TO EMBRACE THIS TRUTH
DECLARATIONS TO STRENGTHEN THIS MINDSET
PRACTICAL WISDOM
About Us
Steve Backlund is a prolific encourager, catalytic author, joy activator, and revivalist teacher. He brings transformational levels of hope to churches and organizations around the world. He is uniquely gifted to release hope, joy, and healthy leadership everywhere he goes.
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