Outflow: Outward focused living in a self-focused world. It is easy to read a book like Outflow and think things like:
- “I could never do it”.
- “I don’t have the right personality to do it.”
- “I don’t know how to do it.”
- “Those are nice thoughts, but I don’t want to do it.”
- Etc, etc, etc.
The last few chapters of the Outflow book contain simple reminders of how to really do the things the book talks about. First, they remind us “how much more fruitfulness God can bring into our lives if we’re willing to listen to God and do what he says (p. 207).” No one can bear much good, lasting fruit unless we know and obey God. Period.
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. – John 15:1-4 (NIV)
Second, at some point we have to “just do it”. It is good read about it, good to talk about it, and even good to write about it. But Jesus wants us to do it, not discuss it. I would challenge you and I to put into practice some of the ideas contained in Outflow. It would be a tragedy to be challenged so richly and have no life change happen.
Here is one suggestion for successfully incorporating Outflow into your everyday lifestyle: follow someone else who does it. This is how Jesus taught his disciples, and it is often how Paul taught others:
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 (NIV)
Early in the Outflow book, the author challenged us to imagine a world filled with Christians were constantly on the lookout for ways to fill themselves up with God. Imagine a world where those same Christians were constantly on the lookout for ways to outflow that love onto their families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, community and even the world. What would such a world look like? What role could we play in it?
Here are links to some prior posts that might also be good reminders for how to live a life of Outflow:
2 comments
Tom Houser says:
April 10, 2009 at 8:37 am (UTC -5 )
Awesome Kelly…and thanks for being honest and faithful to move!!!
KellySueLew says:
April 10, 2009 at 8:09 am (UTC -5 )
I am struck by the reality that Outflow will look differently for all of us. This week I wanted to act on the challenge of posting John 3:16 around my house and daily asking myself, “How can I so love the world today?” I ended up buying an Easter plant for some neighbors we don’t know too well and writing them a note. I got to their doorstep and thought I should ring the doorbell and talk to them, but I ended up getting nervous and just leaving the flowers on their porch. At first I kind of beat myself up over it, thinking that if Terry would have done it, he would have had a great conversation with them, probably been invited inside, and found out their whole life story. But then I realized it was okay. My step might have been a very small step, but at least it was a step. God is pleased when we decide to obey and do something out of our comfort zone. I am praying my confidence would grow and my efforts would become bigger, but I am determined to keep taking babysteps toward Outflow!