A Recipe for Fullness of Life

We are beginning a brand-new series called ‘A Recipe for Fullness of Life – A Not So Secret Sauce.’ Anyone here have a secret recipe, maybe one that’s been passed down to you, or have you had a family member who had a secret recipe that keep it so secret that it went to the grave with them? Not sure why we do this, but you’re not alone if you do.

There are few fast food meals that are as iconic as the McDonald’s Big Mac. The sandwich has been around more than 50 years and is still one of the most popular items on the menu. In fact, the sandwich even had its own jingle. Sing it with me if you know it… two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions — on a sesame seed bun.

The truth is that the burger itself is not that much different than any other McDonald’s burger. What sets this burger apart is its famous special sauce. Originally the sauce was called “secret sauce” before being changed to “special sauce” in 1974. To this day, this “special sauce” is kept hidden from public knowledge. In fact, to prevent employees from stealing the recipe, there is a non-disclosure agreement that must be signed, and the sauce is delivered in sealed containers to each restaurant location. Needless to say, McDonald’s is pretty serious about keeping their sauce to themselves.

Like the big Mac “special sauce”, the fullness of life can seem difficult to obtain, and in all honestly feel like it’s the best kept secret. How do we get the fullness of God? How do we feel complete, and whole, not broken and messed up? I’ll be honest with you, the fullness of life seems a bit mysterious and a bit exclusive like a closely guarded secret that only the most holy and the most Godly individuals are privileged to know. How did they get there? How did they get like that?

Like a famous chef might keep their cherished recipes from the world and ensure that they stay locked up in a vault somewhere, we may think that God has the same kind of attitude toward His blessings in our lives. But that could not be further from the truth.

The fulness of life, the life God wants for you is more accessible than you may think. He is not trying to keep you in the dark. He’s not trying to keep something from you. Instead, because God wants what is best for all of us, He has given us clear instruction for living a life that is connected to Him and empowered by Him. It’s all right here in the bible.

A Recipe for Fullness of Life – Love

What could happen if we were people who were willing to choose to love selflessly, sacrificially, and unconditionally no matter what it might cost us? I believe that way of living can and will change the world, and lead us to the fullest life possible.

A Recipe for Fullness of Life – Godliness

The recipe for the full life of God is made available by the gracious offer of a sacrificial love from Christ. When we receive this love into our hearts, then, and only then, do we have the capacity to love others well. Then and only then, will we be with Him in eternity. And the longer we let ourselves sit now and soak in the incredible love of God, the more it gets into us and changes us to be more Godly and more like Him, and the stronger our relationship with Him becomes.

A Recipe for Fullness of Life – Knowledge

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. We receive this knowledge from God in many different ways. First, we have been given instruction and guidance within the scriptures. The Bible is God’s authoritative word to us, and it speaks to every kind of life experience, that we might know how God wants us to live. Second, we receive knowledge through Godly counsel. When we surround ourselves with people who love God and live with wisdom, they too can help us experience the full life of God.