The world today is mourning the death of a great legend, Dolly Parton. She was one of a kind. She lived a glamorous life and was very wealthy, but she was extremely generous. People that had met her said that she was very humble and real. Others have said that she always talked about Jesus. She gave joy to a lot of people. And her loss here on this earth is felt by millions of people around the globe. Here’s the thing though… the moment she accepted Christ as her Savior, she was awarded an inheritance – eternal life in heaven forever. But this inheritance would not go into effect until her earthly death. Her death activated it. Now, she has been awarded a life far richer and much more beautiful than what she had on earth. Imagine that!
Death often activates life. A person’s death activates their will. The death of a seed activates the growth of a plant. Jesus mentions the death of a kernel of wheat… “it’s death will produce many new kernels – a plentiful harvest of new lives” (John 12:24). Jesus’ death on the cross activated eternal life for the believer. According to the Bible, death brings about life. Therefore, the moment we breathe our last here on this earth, our inheritance goes into effect. We will receive everything the Lord promised us. We should never fear death because the reward that’s awaiting us is unimaginable.
Okay… so we understand that our earthly death activates our eternal life. But what about here? Is there more I can get? Are there blessings God is waiting to give to me? Is there abundance in this life? Are there heavenly rewards that can be attained here on this earth? The answer is YES! Jesus said, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10). And the apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
So we may ask… if Jesus came to give me abundant life, then why am I not experiencing it? Why am I always discouraged and filled with despair? Why do I struggle finding hope? Why is life so difficult for me? Why can’t I seem to get out of this rut? Perhaps it’s because you haven’t died yet. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). In other words, we must die to ourselves for abundant life to be activated. Die to our own desires, our wants, our needs, our will. We must die to our sin. One of the most powerful prayers we can pray is, “Lord, I want your will not mine.”
To sum up… if we want the abundant life Jesus came to give us, if we want to live a victorious life, if we want to be truly free, if we want peace and joy in the midst of difficulties, if we want new life, then we must die first. Death to ourselves activates this rich and satisfying life. Note: abundant living does not necessarily mean wealth, health, and prosperity. It means a full life. Each of us CAN have that fullness if we choose it. But death first… then life.
As I write this, I’m asking myself… Have I truly died to myself? Something we should ponder for sure.