"Living In The Overflow"

It's easy to get out of balance as a Christ-follower.  This painting by a Creekside member, Gayleen Beyers, captures an analogy developed by Chuck Miller, a mentor and friend of Pastor Steve Phillips.  The analogy is rooted in the teaching
of Jesus in the Upper Room Discourse of John 13-17.  In chapter 15 Jesus speaks of abiding in Him as a branch abides in the vine.  When we are connected to Him as our source, our lives will bear much fruit, but apart from Him, we can do nothing.

Too often Christ-followers are so busy--often busy with serving--that we fail to spend time abiding in the presence of God--connecting.  The pitcher represents God as the source of our life and focus;  we are the cup, and as we align ourselves with Him, He fills us to overflowing.  Thus we are not emptying ourselves of what God is doing within us, we are touching the lives of others through the overflow.  This is the way to avoid "burn-out"--that exhaustion which comes from constantly giving without being replenished--pouring from an empty cup.

The saucer represents the circle of influence we have, the friends, family, and associates around us.  As we bring these people and our relationships to God in our abiding--praying for them and their needs--God spills over what we need to serve them and touch their lives with what He has touched us with.  He may give us a word of encouragement, an insight, or bring healing to them.

The plate is our schedule, which is being formed by God's agenda of relationships for us.  As His life moves progressively through us to our circle of influence, the events of our day are centered and aligned.  This is "Living in the Overflow."  Thank you Gayleen for a beautiful rendering of this vital truth of the Christian life--the only way it can be lived is by Christ living it through us...