June 7
Inflow vs Outflow
On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
––John 7:37-38
One of the best analogies of a person’s spiritual state is the “Galilee vs Dead Sea” comparison. You’ve heard it before, most likely: The Sea of Galilee is a living, functioning body of water because it is fed by natural springs that flow from Mt. Hermon to the north and form the Jordan River, which then flows into the north end of the Galilee, not far from Capernaum. This fresh flow oxygenates the water and brings fresh nutrients, which maintains the flora and fauna. Likewise, there’s outflow at the southern end of the sea, where the Jordan River continues its flows south until it narrows to a stream that rarely reaches the Dead Sea (i.e., about 100 miles south).
No fresh inflow means no life; or, even if there is inflow but no outflow, the health of that body of water suffers. The analogy fits us, doesn’t it? I see a lot of guys whose faith is driven by me-centered emotion. In other words, many times without even realizing it, they have a transactional—or consumer-type—faith that asks, “What will I get out of this?” They fill up on the things of God, but then there’s no outflow: they aren’t giving away what God has given to them. For some, faith is about feeling safe and secure, rather than mimicking Christ and the sacrificial model of His life. Christ was not safe, and He did not promise security in this life—only the next.
Man of God, I’m not suggesting you jettison self-care, give away all your possessions, and move to a Third World country to live with the poor. While that might be a calling for some (and a very worthy one), the majority of us are called to places and people right here at home. Here’s the equation:
- Inflow with no outflow: Bloated, self-absorbed faith that can only grow so much.
- Outflow but poor inflow: Burn-out when we try to do too much in our own power, without dependence on the Holy Spirit.
- Inflow with healthy outflow: Like a well-balanced ecosystem—such as the Sea of Galilee—the key to spiritual vibrancy is that we are filled with the love and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and in kind He flows out of us to bless others.
Man of God, how is your inflow? Are you filling up with His Word and growing in your faith? How’s your outflow? Are you giving away the blessings God has given to you? He knows the proper balance in your life; you simply need to ask.
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, and for filling me with Your love and wisdom. Help me give away what I have so You can use me to my full capacity.