Living Life to the Fullest
by Jack Graham
Recently I watched a TV interview with a gentleman who had just turned 100 years of age. During the interview, the man was asked, “What is the secret to living 100 years?” To which he replied, “I eat a hot dog every day.” They then showed the man making his hot dog. It was a cheesy, greasy frankfurter. The secret to this man’s long life was eating a cheesy, greasy hot dog every day!
A lot of people have ideas about how they ought to live their lives and extend their years as far as possible. But it’s not a long life we should seek as much as a full life. And the secret to living a full life is living for eternity. This adds not only years to your life, but life to your years!
That’s why Jesus gives his disciples a command and promise on the eve of his death. In John 14:1-3 Jesus says to his disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms…. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
Allow me to set the scene here. Jesus is celebrating his final meal with his dearest friends, but the mood is serious. He’s facing death and his spirit is troubled within him. His disciples are heartbroken, disappointed, and confused. He has just told them the cross awaits.
And yet Jesus gives them a clear command: “Let not your hearts be troubled.” Jesus claims that they—and we—can know peace and perspective in this life because he is coming back for us one day. That’s the secret to living a full life! And that’s how we can realize peace in the midst of difficult times. When we’re walking in the darkness, we’re tempted to doubt. When tough times come, we’re tempted to even give up our faith because we lose perspective. But Jesus says that in the midst of our most difficult days, we are to believe. And this simple childlike faith of trusting in him brings us amazing peace!
So Jesus promises peace, but he’s also preparing a place. He’s got it all worked out! This life isn’t all there is. Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for us to spend eternity with him. And with our eyes fixed on that prize, we endure the hardship of this life knowing better things are still to come.
In John 14, Thomas asks how they could know the way to where Jesus was going. Jesus responds, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me” (John 14:6). Jesus is not a way to heaven. He’s not someone pointing us to heaven. He is the way to heaven. We don’t have to worry about getting there ourselves. We only have to believe in him. Then he promises, “I’m coming for you!”
Maybe today, you’re walking in the dark. Your heart is troubled, and life is closing in. Fear and anxiety loom as you look at the future. If so, let me encourage you to remember Jesus’ words, Do not let your hearts be troubled.
In Christ you can enjoy life to the fullest, even when it’s hard. He’s promised you peace as you trust him. He’s preparing an eternal place for you with him. And Jesus promises to provide the way. He’s coming back for you!
So let me challenge you to live your life—every day—with this perspective. Today is but a moment compared with eternity. Focus on your coming hope and trust God to help you live a full life for him!
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