When I was seventeen years old, I made a decision to commit my life to Christ- full surrender. There was only one thing I was nervous about. I was afraid I would have to succumb to a boring life. Prior to that decision, I enjoyed some fun, but it was the kind of fun that was filled with regret the next day. I grew up in the church and knew that life with Christ was better, but I also thought it meant that “real” fun had to go out the window. And I was prepared to accept it.
My husband has mentioned many times (publicly) how he felt the same way in high school. He felt like he couldn’t fit in with the kids at the youth group; like he didn’t belong. It kept him away from church, and away from God.
Fortunately, God has a way of working in spite of boring youth groups and the over-spiritualized kids who attend them. Filipe and I both had encounters with God in high school, and He brought people into our lives who showed us (separately since it was way before we met) how to have fun and still have a relationship with Him. Is the fun different? Most definitely. But it is fun to say the least! There’s no doubt that my life has been much more exciting than all of the “fun” I had before I was living with Christ. I’m sure Filipe would agree.
Thirteen years have passed since that time in my life, and now I’m a wife and mom with real world responsibilities. It can be easy to feel like we’re in survival mode, and if I’m not careful the monotonous schedule involving three little ones can feel mundane. I often have to make a choice. To embrace the life God has for me or sit back and waste the days away wishing and hoping and making excuses for what I can’t do. Essentially, the latter is settling for a mediocre, boring life.
John 10:10 says, …”I came that they may have life, and may have [it] abundantly.” If God desires His best for us, why do so many Christians settle for boring?
Here are a few reasons that come to mind (maybe because, I too, have to wrestle with them and keep them from controlling my own life):
– We focus on what we don’t have, rather that what we do. (Whether it’s finances, possessions, talents, or abilities)
– We worry too much about the “what if’s”.
– We focus more time on preparing for the future rather than enjoying today. (Some of our savings accounts should really be called “hoarding” accounts)
When we accept boring we’re not only doing a disservice to ourselves, but we are also sending a message to the world that the Christian life is boring and mundane. That is so contrary to what God desires for each one of us.
An abundant life looks different for everyone depending on the season of life you’re in. Being a stay at home mom with three kids under five looks different than a mom of teens or someone who works full-time. But no matter where we are, I think it’s safe to say, we know when we are living an abundant life and when we’re not. An abundant life feels full and rich. It is spontaneous and takes risks. When problems come our way, we respond by looking at the possibilities rather than the obstacles (a phrase my husband quotes a lot!).
Are you living an abundant life or a boring life?