The Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea are very different from one another. The Sea of Galilee is teaming with life. It is full of rich colorful marine life. The plant life thrives in the Sea of Galilee. The Dead Sea is quite the opposite. It has no fish, no vegetation, no life at all. Thus the name: Dead Sea.

Interesting, they are both in the same region of the world, they are only separated by about 90 miles. They are both fed by the same water source, the Jordan River.  And yet they are so very different. What’s the difference?

Getting And Giving

The answer gives us insight into living a life that will thrive versus one that is, well, according to this analogy, dead. That is to say: lifeless, mundane, without purpose, unfulfilling. The premise of my book Life Palette and this blog is found in Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Masterpiece living is anything but dead!

The difference? The Jordan River flows into the northern end of the Sea of Galilee and then flows out the southern end of the sea, ultimately into the Dead Sea. The water passes through the Sea of Galilee, thus keeping it healthy and alive. However, the Dead Sea is so far below Sea level and it has no outlet. The water from the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea, but does not flow out. Without any outlet the water evaporates at an extremely fast pace, making it salty and full of minerals. Unfit for any life to exist.

Always taking and never giving: the results? No life!

A Healthy Balance

Consider this: life is not about just getting, it is also about giving. Life as a masterpiece is lived as a conduit. You are blessed with time, talent, and treasure. But if we don’t learn to give of them they will quickly evaporate, much like the Dead Sea. Guard against the Dead Sea mentality of getting more and more and never giving. Make sure that you have healthy outlets for your time talent and treasure.

Feedback:

What are ways that you stay balanced in making sure you are refueled and at the same time having a healthy output?