Finding What's Missing

As another year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves in a moment of reflection. We ponder our accomplishments, missed opportunities, and spiritual growth – or perhaps the lack thereof. This introspection isn't just a yearly ritual; it's a biblical practice that can profoundly impact our relationship with God. The Scriptures encourage us to examine ourselves, to "not deceive ourselves," and to "make our calling and election sure."

But what exactly are we looking for in this self-examination? Perhaps we're searching for that elusive sense of fulfillment – the "it factor" of the soul. Jesus spoke of this when He promised abundant life to His followers. In Greek, the word "abundant" simply means "more than enough." It's a life overflowing with purpose, meaning, and divine connection.

Consider the parable of the prodigal son. Here was a young man who thought he had it all figured out. He left home, seeking adventure and self-discovery, only to find himself destitute and starving in a pig pen. It was at this rock bottom moment that Scripture says "he came to his senses." He realized that even his father's servants had more than enough to eat, while he was dying of hunger.

How many of us today are like that prodigal son, chasing after worldly pursuits that leave our souls malnourished? We may have success, wealth, or status, but still feel that gnawing emptiness inside. The truth is, the abundant life Jesus offers can't be found in material possessions or worldly achievements.

Luke's Gospel recounts Jesus' warning: "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." He then tells the story of a rich man who stored up great wealth for himself but was not rich toward God. This man's life was ultimately squandered, focused on temporary treasures rather than eternal ones.
So what are the true riches we should be seeking? The Apostle Paul prays in Ephesians that "the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." These are the treasures that satisfy the soul – hope, glory, and divine power

Yet, even when we seem to have everything together, there can still be a sense that something is missing. The Gospel of Mark tells us about a rich young ruler who approached Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. On paper, this man had it all:

Despite all this, he knew something was lacking. His soul wasn't at peace. He didn't have the assurance of eternal life. When Jesus challenged him to sell everything and follow Him, the man went away sad. He had allowed his possessions to become more important than his relationship with God.

Jesus used this moment to teach a profound lesson: "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." This vivid imagery illustrates the impossibility of earning salvation through our own efforts or merits. But Jesus doesn't leave us without hope. He adds, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

This encounter raises a crucial question for each of us: What's missing in our lives? Are our souls satisfied or starving? We might be able to check all the boxes of worldly success, or we might be exhausted from trying to do so. Either way, the life God has for us may be quite different from the one we're currently experiencing.

It's worth noting that Mark's Gospel adds a touching detail to this story – Jesus looked at the rich young ruler and loved him. This wasn't a harsh rebuke, but a loving invitation to something greater. In the same way, Jesus looks at each of us with love today, desiring to give us true riches and more than enough of the things of God.

The Apostle Paul understood this transformation. In his letter to the Philippians, he writes, "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ." Paul recognized that all his worldly accomplishments paled in comparison to the richness of knowing Jesus.

But this isn't a call to asceticism or poverty. Jesus promises that those who leave everything for His sake and the gospel will "receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life." The abundant life in Christ doesn't necessarily mean material abundance, but it does promise a richness of relationship, purpose, and eternal perspective that far outweighs any worldly gain.

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it's time for honest self-examination. What things are keeping us from experiencing the abundant life Christ offers? Are we willing to surrender these things to Him? It may seem daunting, but remember – with God, all things are possible.

Perhaps it's time for a spiritual "select all" and "delete" – removing the obstacles that hinder our relationship with God. By surrendering our lives fully to the Lord, we open ourselves to accomplishing the things He has prepared for us. We trade temporary satisfactions for eternal fulfillment.

In the end, the abundant life Jesus promises is not about having more stuff, but about having more of Him. It's about experiencing a life so full of God's presence and purpose that we can confidently say we have "more than enough." As we step into the future, may we each discover what's truly missing in our lives and find it abundantly in Christ.