Sip, Soak, Overflow: The Art of Balanced Devotion

As healthy, Spirit-filled, maturing, born-again, Kingdom believers (and let’s face it, you can’t just say ‘Christian’ these days without clarification)... Let’s call us HSFMBAKBs for short. On second thought, maybe not. That’s a mouthful even to say, let alone remember. Let’s simplify it to “Born Agains” (BA for short) and carry on.

We, as BAs, should rush to the Scriptures with bated breath every single day, as though we’re scavenging for buried treasure. Why? Because the Word is our daily bread, our sustenance, but also because we find deep delight in it.

We’re called not just to delight in the Word but also to derive delights from it. Think of it as enjoying a gourmet meal—not just a necessity, but a joy.

The Bible describes New Testament believers (another description for BAs) as conduits of “rivers of living water.” [ John 7:38 - Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”]

It’s not a one-time flow but a continuous outpouring. This metaphor implies that a healthy BA’s life isn’t just about consuming spiritual food; it’s about producing overflow—something that blesses others too.

But here’s the tricky part: how do we balance between what nourishes us personally and what’s meant to flow outward to others? This isn’t an easy balance to define, because it involves spiritual discernment rather than formulas.

Yet it’s critical to ask these questions because we desire to honour God’s expectations for us as conduits of living water. So, let’s unpack three considerations that can guide us in navigating this balance:

1. The Audience

Here’s the first hard question to ask ourselves: Am I more excited to converse with the Holy Spirit or with people—especially my social media followers? Be truthful with yourself!

It’s a heart check. Do we approach Scripture hungry for God’s voice, or are we subtly crafting captions for Instagram, or sermons for the pulpit? Are we more thrilled about receiving Divine revelation for ourselves or rushing to share it with others? The danger here is subtle but real: prioritising public applause over private devotion.

Remember, we aren’t called to be content creators for the Kingdom; we’re called to be contented in the Kingdom.

There’s a huge difference. Before broadcasting anything, we need to ensure our primary joy comes from the intimate conversation with God, not the likes, shares, or human recognition.

2. The Motive

Let’s face it: our motives can often get muddled. Did I open my Bible to truly know God and be transformed, or was my primary goal to gather something I could share? While sharing isn’t inherently wrong, our first priority must always be to simply sit at the feet of Jesus.

“Motive” is similar to “Audience,” but there’s a distinct difference. Audience addresses who your focus is on—your followers, listeners, or God Himself. Motive, however, addresses where your focus has come from—the source of your intention, the “why” behind your actions. Is your motivation rooted in a genuine hunger for God, or is it driven by external expectations, a need for validation, or the pressure to produce?

Think of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. Martha, though well-meaning, was consumed by tasks that seemed urgent, while Mary chose “the one needful thing”: sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to His words. Mary’s choice wasn’t about impressing anyone or accomplishing something—it was about being fully present with Jesus. This is the heart posture we’re called to have in our personal devotion: sitting, soaking, and growing in relationship with God for the sake of knowing Him, not simply to tick a box or prepare for an assignment.

“Be Still And Know That I Am God…”

Even if you’re scheduled to preach, lead a study, or post an encouraging word, the “why” behind your preparation matters. Are you seeking God because you long to be with Him, or because you need material for others? The difference is significant. You can’t pour from an empty cup—or worse, a cup hastily filled with the wrong intentions. The overflow must come from a heart that is full, rested, and sincerely motivated by intimacy with God, not from striving to meet external demands or perform for approval.

When your motive is rooted in intimacy with God—simply being with Him and receiving from Him—what you share becomes an extension of His work in you. It flows naturally, carrying His grace, timing, and power. But when the “why” is misplaced—when the driving force is pride, obligation, or the desire for recognition—what could have been a pure act of worship risks becoming a transaction. You might deliver profound words that benefit others, but without a heart filled by God, they may lack eternal significance for you.

Jesus said in John 15:5, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” This truth reminds us that everything of lasting value begins with abiding in Him. When your motivation is first to know God, transformation happens, and from that place, what you share carries true weight. Let your time with Him be about knowing Him, not about producing results. The most impactful “outflows” always stem from a heart motivated by love and fuelled by His presence.

3. The Timing

Once we’ve ensured our devotion is personal, and our motives are pure, timing becomes essential.

God doesn’t always release a word for "immediately". Sometimes He speaks to us about things meant for later, but our excitement can push us to share prematurely. Ever bitten into a half-baked cake? It's not a nice texture-that's for sure... That’s what happens when we run ahead of God’s timing.

For someone like me, whose natural inclination is “build the plane as you fly,” this can be a challenge. I love action and momentum. But there are times when God says, “Slow down. Build the plane properly. Fill it with fuel. Prepare the pilot. And don’t forget the flight plan.” The end result is a journey that’s smooth, safe, and impactful.

When we wait on God’s timing, we allow Him to polish and refine the word He’s given us. As Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”

Living Outward Without a "Microphone".

Here’s a final question to chew on: Is public sharing the only way to live outwardly with the Word? Or can we live “rivers of living water” lives in non-public ways, keeping God as our focus while honouring His timing?

As I mature in the faith, I'm finding that there are indeed other ways, and I find myself being led to them more and more. For instance:

• Discipleship: Pouring into people privately. One doesn’t need a platform to mentor or encourage a fellow believer.

• Service: Living out the Word through actions—helping someone in need, showing kindness, or supporting a community effort, without feeling the need to broadcast it.

• Prayer: Praying the Word over people and situations. This is an outward expression that doesn’t require an audience.

• Writing: Journaling reflections. Not everything needs to become a blog post or a book—some treasures are for you and God alone.

These acts of obedience flow outward without seeking the limelight. They remind us that God isn’t just looking for public ministers; He’s looking for private worshippers.

In conclusion, balance between personal nourishment and public sharing lies in these three questions:

• Who is my primary audience?

• What is my motive?

• Am I aligned with God’s timing?

When we focus on sitting at the feet of Jesus, seeking Him first, and discerning when (and if) to share, we honour our role as conduits of living water. The rivers flow best when the source is pure, the channel is clear, and the timing is Divine.

Your boy,

Joshua T. Komolafe, xoxo.