Enrich: Spiritual Growth Through God's Grace

To enrich is to make better or improve the quality by adding something desirable to what is already there. In the spiritual realm, enrichment involves the transformative work of God's grace that adds value, depth, and meaning to our lives beyond what we could achieve through our own efforts. This divine enrichment encompasses spiritual blessings, character development, and the abundant life that flows from a relationship with Christ.

Spiritual Riches in Christ

We are made spiritually rich in Christ, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes became poor, that through His poverty you might be rich...In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (2 Cor 8:9; Eph 1:7). Everything that comes from salvation in Christ as it is outworked will enrich our whole life enabling us to be productive and always advancing in the things of God. Our Christian life can be blessed with the unsearchable riches of Christ (Eph 3:8).

God's Generous Provision

"I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in Him you have been enriched in every way…" (1 Cor 1:5). God is a generous God, liberally pouring blessings upon us from His vast supply as we open ourselves up to Him in faith to receive. Paul confidently stated, "You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God" (2 Cor 9:11).

Enrich your life through fellowshipping with your maker and redeemer

Eternal vs. Temporal Enrichment

This enrichment is not solely for our personal benefit but so we can reach out to the lost with the message of salvation and to encourage our fellow believers. Satan has always promised much, yet he can't deliver, with Jesus truthfully saying, "The thief's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness" (Jn 10:10). Embracing salvation may improve the earthly life of some, while for others it will bring persecution and increased physical hardship, but it will certainly result in the all-important eternal life for those who follow Him.

David's testimony was, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall lack nothing…" (Ps 23:1-6). He concentrated on and gave his attention to God, utilizing the divine resources available. Since then (Old Testament times), Jesus has defeated all the power of the enemy through the cross and we have the Holy Spirit living within us (1 Cor 6:19; 1 Jn 3:8). How much greater our spiritual experiences should be as we have been "enriched in every way".

Enriching Others

Our lives are also enriched by the positive experiences and wholesome friendships we develop with our character improved as we respond in a godly way to the trials and challenges of life. The world's philosophy is largely focused on personal pleasure on earth, with self at the centre; this stance is in total contrast to what the Bible teaches, where God is always to be our top priority, followed by our love and concern for others, as we keep eternity in mind (Ex 20:3; Mk 12:30-31).

Do I enrich the lives of others or deplete them?

Unfortunately, even within Christianity, being self-absorbed, alongside expectations of temporal (earthly) blessing as advocated by the prosperity doctrine can easily divert attention from developing the character qualities God requires and being concerned about others also achieving eternally lasting outcomes (Lk 6:31; Phil 2:4,21).

Reflection and Application:

In what ways have you experienced spiritual enrichment through your relationship with Christ?
How can you be more open to receiving God's generous blessings?
Are there areas where you have been focused on temporal rather than eternal enrichment?
What practical steps can you take to enrich the lives of those around you?