Life to the Full

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 

Christ died so that we might live. And He didn’t die so we would live in mediocrity, but to live with the fullness of His love and grace. But, having a new life in Christ involves taking a risk and leaving behind the old self, with its addictions, insecurities, and challenges. When we surrender to Christ and exchange our old life for a new one, we must surrender the good and the bad to experience His riches.

Mohammed knows all too well the reality of leaving behind everything – good and bad – in pursuit of a new life in Christ. 

On a cold January day, Mohammed entered the United States, leaving behind his home, siblings, and culture to protect his children, wife, and his own life. Mohammed’s family found comfort and support through Catholic Charities’ Refugee and Immigrant Services. The services helped Mohammed’s family integrate into the Indianapolis community, providing them the tools of self-reliance. Catholic Charities’ Refugee and Immigrant Services helped Mohammed find housing, job placement, employment skills, clothing, medical attention, education, English-language classes, and community orientation. Additionally, Catholic Charities connected Mohammed with another community-based organization to create an Individual Development Account. This allowed Mohammed and his family to experience financial stability in their new home.  

Now two years after arriving in the United States with only the belongings they could carry, Mohammed’s family has purchased their own home. Mohammed’s resolve to do what is best for his family, along with the help of Catholic Charities and other local agencies, made this new life in America possible.

Are you willing to take the risk, leave behind your old life, and exchange it for a new one? Christ wants to transform your life and heart, giving you a life of freedom, peace, and security that can only come through Him. 

A New Life Awaits

“Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” – Romans 6:4

When Christ died on the cross, He did so in order that we might have a new, abundant life – full of joy, peace, love, grace, and freedom. But if this new life is ours in Christ, why do we live a run-down, tired old life? Why do we struggle with sin and pain when we can have communion with the One who overcame it all?

Maybe the reason we do not live this new life is we don’t really believe it is for us. Instead, we see ourselves as people in process. We work on our own strength to change our bad habits and our sinful nature into goodness, but we fail. We fail because we cannot make ourselves whole and new by our own capabilities. The acceptance of Christ and His resurrection is the only thing that can bring us freedom. Sadly, we would rather live as an old creation.

Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: The old has gone, and the new has come!”

Christ has given us a new life, and He gives us instructions on how to live it abundantly in His Word. Jesus doesn’t simply want to improve us, He wants to transform us. He will put to death our old sinful nature and fill us with His presence of new life – a life of freedom. How do we get this new life? Not by working for it, reading about it, or going to church. No, we get it by simply asking and trusting in Christ completely.

Give Jesus your heart. A new life is available to you today.