THE GREAT FULL-NESS

I saw this play on words in something that I was reading yesterday, but truly, it sums up a Christian's take on gratefulness. Being thankful for what we have, despite what we may lack, and rejoicing in the Gift we have been given no matter what our circumstances is the Great Full-ness--our greatest blessing.

• In Christ, I am full of His righteousness.
• I am full of His peace.
• I am full of His joy.
• I am full of His purpose.
• I am full of His gentleness.
• I am full of His love.
• I am full of His hope.

If you have ever felt hopeless, then you know how elusive hope can be. I met a woman recently who was all out of hope. She lost one son in a swimming pool accident several years ago. Another son is currently in jail due to gang-related activity. She was looking for hope--hope for her youngest son, who--not even twelve--has already been in trouble with local authorities, and hope for her new grandson.

Chuck Colson, in the introduction to Steven Curtis Chapman's song Heaven in the Real World, says this:

"Where is the hope? I meet millions of people who feel demoralized by the decay around us. The hope that each of us has is not in who governs us, or what laws we pass, or what great things we do as a nation. Our hope is in the power of God working through the hearts of people. And that's where our hope is in this country. And that's where our hope is in life."

While I certainly ate my fill yesterday, feasting at a glorious table surrounded by those I most cherish, I woke up to a nagging question concerning my spiritual fullness. So I'm sharing that question with you today:

Are you full yet?

The Great Full-ness can only be found, experienced, and maintained in a living, life-giving, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. My friend Steve Sawyer says: Serve God by loving man; serve man by loving God. In loving and serving others, we best express our love for and service to God. That's a truly FULL-filling lifestyle.