May 24, 2009: Flexible and Firm – Michael Hidalgo

Paul employs two complimentary images here. He speaks of something firm – rooted and established. And then speaks about something messy – overflowing. I have the picture of milk being dumped out of a pitcher, or water pouring over the top of a tub. One is steady the other is unpredictable. One is stable the other is adaptable. This is the beauty of the Christian life. We are called to be a people who are rooted in Christ. Yet we are also encouraged to be people who overflow with thankfulness. 

Paul is in the midst of an argument on behalf of truth – and he introduces these images. This is the joy of the Christian life. Is continually renewing what it looks like in our day. Reimagining this in our time. Rooted in the past (Christ) and expressing him in the present.