The disciple who truly follows the master is blessed with "the abundant life." When Jacob talks about partaking of the goodness of God, he is not talking just about the reward of eternal life but the blessings of discipleship while in mortality. He is talking about "the abundant life." I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10-11).
Albert E. Bowen
"More often than not now-a-days 'the abundant life' is made the synonym for a full stomach, or a modernized home, or coveted apparel, or a new model automobile. And these mere things are held up to view as if they constituted the goal of ultimate desire, which, is symptomatic of present day measures of value.
"But it is abundantly clear that that is not at all what was in the mind of Jesus when He used the expression. It follows immediately upon His declaration that it was by Him that man shall be saved. Salvation meant to Him something far different than the mere physical comfort or even preservation of the mortal body, or the gratification of the physical senses, or the invention of new excitements to relieve us of our artificially created boredoms." (Conference Report, Apr. 1940, p. 67)
David O. McKay
"We believe, however, that this abundant life is obtained not only from spiritual exaltation, but by the application to daily life of the principles that Jesus taught.
"These principles are few and simple and may, if desired, be applied by every normal person." (Conference Report, Oct. 1937, p. 103)
Hugh B. Brown
"A part of that duty is to live the abundant life of which Jesus spoke, a life which may be enjoyed by anyone regardless of his financial condition, geographical location, or social position.
"Robert Louis Stevenson has given us a very good definition of rich and radiant living as follows: 'He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task, who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauties, nor failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given the best he had; whose life is an inspiration; whose memory a benediction.'" (The Abundant Life, p. 7)
"I know of no better summary of the elements of the abundant life than the one given by the great German teacher and philosopher, Goethe. He said, 'There are nine requisites for contented living; Faith enough to make work a pleasure; wealth enough to support your needs; strength to battle with difficulties and overcome them; grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them; patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished; charity enough to see some good in your neighbor; love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others; faith enough to make real the things of God; and hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.'" (The Abundant Life, p.183)