PG: The A+ Life Part 2

At 721 Ministries we consistently talk about the A+ life. It is not easily defined, but we know it when we see someone with it. And when we do see it, we might be uneasy around such quiet power, but we are inevitably drawn powerfully to it. 

And most assuredly, it is not achieved, it is received: 

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”  (John 1:12) 

There is no buying the A+ spiritual life, and certainly not earning it because of your good behavior and your fine resume.  We cannot even manufacture it. We must be filled up with it and by it, through an ever-deepening journey with Jesus. This, “Life that is truly life,” (1 Timothy 6:19) is so rich and so real, yet a bit intangible. 

Last week we gave a few descriptors. Here are a few more. 

You can know God’s will:

“Then you will know God’s will. His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)    

We can actually move through life with a sense of God’s will for your life in any given situation. We won’t ever fully know the mind of God, but he promises that as we clean our minds of the garbage and clutter of this culture, we will be able to sense his green lights: “Yes, do that.” And his red lights: “No, that’s not the best for you.” Even his yellow lights: “Slow down and wait for more clarity.” 

You can say, “No thanks, I’m Full”:

“… that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:14-20)   

The answer to the consistent temptations that assault us is not a teeth-gritting self-discipline, although discipline does play a role. The answer is to be so full of his grace and his peace and his contentment, that formerly tempting things, well, just lose their glitter. 

To our former beguiling temptations and idols we can now simply say, “No thanks, I’m full,” because Jesus has filled you with his “Living Water.” 

You learn to walk in rhythm: 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 excerpts from The Message – Bold added) 

Can you imagine learning to live with the unforced rhythms of Jesus’ grace? The clarity to see clearly what really matters. The inner peace to rise above the petty emotions of this world. The contentment to say, “No thanks, I’m full.” To be joyful always, having a pervasive sense of well-being no matter the uncertain circumstances. To sense his constant presence and his will for you. 

That, my friend, is the A+ life. Do you have it? Are you getting closer? Seek it with all your heart, and you will find it.