He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38)
The Dead Sea is not one of the desired vacation spots in the world. In fact, it is one big, wet, grotesque salt pool that contains no fish or plant life. What accounts for this unusual condition? Answer-there are absolutely no outlets! A great amount of water pours into this area, but nothing flows out. Many inlets plus no outlets equals a dead sea.
Could it be that many believers are "Dead Sea Christians"? You see, this law of nature can also be applied to the child of God, and it explains why many of Jesus' followers are so boring and lacking in spiritual energy. They attend exciting Bible conferences, listen to Christian music, regularly do their devotions, attend youth group and even take notes from the pastor. Yet the results of all these efforts are comatose Christianity. Such individuals are like the Dead Sea. How could this happen? Simple: they have several "inlets" but no "outlets." To be vibrant and useful believers, we must not only "take in" all we can, but we must also "give out" in ministry to others!
Is your Christian life feeling like Malibu Beach, or is it more like muddy muck? It's great that you have all the right inlets, but perhaps it is time to open up the outlets. Let me suggest a few:
Outlet one: Share your faith! Develop friendships with unbelievers and share with them the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ.Outlet two: Share your love! Get over your own petty problems and reach out to others in the power of the Spirit. Speak a kind word, help a friend in need, and forgive those who have wronged you.Outlet three: Share your heart! Pray as though you only have one more hour to pray. Open the floodgates of your broken spirit to the Holy Spirit and reveal your true self to your Truest Friend.
The "Living Waters" of Christ were never meant to be kept to ourselves. May the Lord make us invigorating springs where thirsty souls may drink. Remember, because the Holy Spirit lives within us, we possess the "water of life" and can be channels of blessing to those in need. From hearts of love, let us pour out to others what we have first received from God. If we do, we will never become Dead-Sea Christians.
Questions:
- Are you a Dead-Sea Christian? Why or why not?
- How can you achieve a good balance between inlets and outlets?
- Would those closest to you describe you as a spiritual Malibu Beach with sun and fun, or muddy muck where nothing can live?
