Session 9

Holding on to what you have holds you back

From The Overflowing Life: A 14-Day Devotional

There are two well-known seas in Israel, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee teems with life and brings life to the communities around it, while the Dead Sea remains barren. Why?

The Sea of Galilee receives its water from the northern mountains. It then overflows to the south, forming the Jordan River. The Dead Sea, by contrast, has no outlet — no overflow. The Dead Sea only receives. This creates a stagnant, life-killing environment.

Similarly, if we receive everything the Lord has for us — salvation, freedom, blessing, inheritance — yet keep it for ourselves, we grow stagnant like the Dead Sea. But if we overflow, we will be like the Sea of Galilee, full of life and blessing for all.

Jesus understood this principle and modeled it for us. It was in giving Himself away that Jesus multiplied His life. Like the seed that falls to the ground and dies, Jesus’ death gave way to new life. In dying, Jesus brought about eternal life for all who would lay down their lives and follow Him (John 12:25-26).

Death to self leads to life — in Jesus and in us. As we follow Jesus, we put to death the spirit of self that is so prevalent today. We stop fixating on self-promotion and personal achievement. Instead, as we serve others, we experience the true, free, abundant life God offers.

May we be like the Sea of Galilee, receiving God’s riches and letting them overflow into those around us.

Reflect:

• What are some ways God has blessed you this season of life?
• What are some ways you can allow those blessings to bring life to others or the church?