Serving from the Overflow

As servants of Chirst, we all want our work in ministry to be effective and fruitful. That happens most often when we are operating in the overflow. Colossians 2 outlines four important characteristics of living for Christ that describe what it means to serve from the overflow.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness (vs. 6-7 NIV)

1). Have the roots of your being firmly and deeply planted in Christ (AMP).

The word "rooted" figurately means to become stable (Strongs). Our knowledge of God's Word and our relationship with Him need to be such that we are stable and strong. Like a tree, planted by water that sends out its roots by the stream...it has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:8).

2). Be continually built up in Chirst.
This is a construction term. As believers in Christ, God is doing a construction project in our lives, continually building us up in Christ. We need to be moldable and pliable in His hands. It is an ongoing process -- being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6).

3). Be strengthened and established in your faith
This refers to inner strength that comes from walking closely with God through the ups and downs of life. When we do, we don't just know about passages that refer to God as our fortress, sustainer, deliverer, provider, etc. We come to know Him as our fortress, sustainer, deliverer, and provider. First hand knowledge of God.

4). Overflowing with Thankfulness
When our roots are deep in Christ and we stay closely connected, allowing God to mold us and continually do His divine construction project in our hearts; growing to know Him, not just know about Him, our hearts will overflow with gratitude and we will operate from the overflow of a thankful heart. Our love and passion for Christ will be contagious and our ministries will be fruitful, like a tree planted by a stream of water. We'll be serving from the overflow...

-Mindy Ferguson

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