Why Is Human Flourishing Important? | Qualities of Women Who Trust Jesus

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10

Something calls out to us. Our hearts carry a deep knowing that we were made for something bigger than ourselves, made for something more.

We sense it when menial tasks smother our motivation and suck the wind out of our joy. Isn’t there more to life than this? We try to stay positive, to keep our heads up, to catch a glimpse of the horizon ahead, but we get stuck in the weeds of everyday life.

What’s the point?

Have you ever asked yourself this question? My kids ask it regularly— especially when it comes to math and chores. It’s easy to lose sight of the purpose behind all the things we have to do, and it all starts to feel meaningless. Like, Why should I make my bed if I’m just getting back into it tonight?

Here’s where we need to remember the truth of Scripture— the truth about who God is and the mission He gave to the humans He created in the garden. Do you remember what He told Adam and Eve? His words strike us right at the core. They hit us square in the chest because they echo the very purpose of our existence: “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it…” (Genesis 1:27-28).

Sister, we were made to flourish!

Think about it. To flourish means to grow, increase and thrive. It’s the antithesis of being stationary, static, or stagnant. It’s the reason we feel so excited when we gain momentum on a project or why we feel intensely frustrated when we’re stuck in rut. We were wired for progress and multiplication, to be productive and fruitful, to make our corner of the earth a little fuller. What are we filling our corner with?

For sure, the command to fill the earth was meant in a literal sense: multiply the number of humans through childbearing. But there’s got to be room for more than one application here. If you have children, what are you passing down to them? What are you filling their minds and hearts with?

If you don’t have children, your God-given ability to be fruitful and multiply is just as substantial. People are image-bearers of God, so when we’re told to fill the earth, it begs the question: how can I fill the earth with reflections of God’s image? With my unique talents, experiences, sympathies, and passions, how can I imitate God’s character to add beauty and goodness to this broken world? How can I live a flourishing life?

The way we answer these questions will change depending on the stage of life or season we’re currently in. For the mama of young children, you may need to be reminded that wiping bottoms, feeding bellies and teaching obedience are significant ways of imitating God’s character. After all, doesn’t He clean up our messes, provide for our needs and patiently teach us to trust and obey?

For the young professional, you may need to be reminded that practicing diligence, humility and kindness in your work are meaningful ways for you to flourish and make a lasting impact on others.

For the older woman, you may need to be reminded that, even in your slowing down, your contributions to the people around you are just as vital than ever before.

Jesus came so that all of us— regardless of our age, marital status, or bank account— could have LIFE (John 10:10). Not just mere existence, but a state of being that is characterized by fullness, abundance, overflowing. A fill-the-earth kind of life is what we were called to live, and it’s what brings deep satisfaction to our souls.

When Jesus is our Lord, we have access to that something more that calls out to us. We no longer have to search. Our God is the originator of life; He was the first one to ever flourish. Out of the abundance of His character flows life that extends outward, ever creating beauty and goodness. This is why human flourishing is so important!

In living a flourishing life, we are simultaneously reflecting the character of God and satisfying our need to live with purpose.

An abundant life overflows. Its fullness spills over to nourish and strengthen the lives around it. When we live a life of dependence on Jesus, His love fills our hearts and inevitably effects the people around us. In him, we are making a difference. In Him, we are flourishing.

For Your Journal

Find It:

In this portion of your journal, write out a Bible verse. You can find a verse that fits a current life situation or use the one we used in today’s devotion.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10

Fix It:

In this portion of your journal, pull out a few key words from the verse you chose above, or summarize the verse in your own words. Write it in pretty lettering or sketch something that will help you visualize the meaning of the verse and fix it in your mind. Repeat these words to yourself throughout the week to remind you of the truth contained in the scripture. Here are some options:

Jesus brings me life

Flourishing starts with dependence on Jesus

Abundance

Feel It:

In this portion of your journal, write out a prayer. The goal is to absorb the meaning of the Bible passage and let it take root in your heart. Ask the Lord to let his word change you by the power of his Spirit. Surrender any areas of your life that you are trying to control.

Jesus, sometimes I feel stuck in the monotony of daily life. I lose sight of the purpose behind my everyday tasks and, truthfully, I lose sight of the purpose of life itself. Thank you that your Word is so clear about my purpose to live an abundant, flourishing life. I realize that I can’t do this on my own. You came, you saved me, so that your love would fill me and overflow to the people in my life. Help me to depend on you. Help me to look to you alone for the abundant life that my soul longs for. Use me to add beauty and goodness to the world, to fill my corner of the earth with reflections of you. By your grace, help me to flourish today.