And to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Eph. 3:19)
Expanded Passage: Ephesians 3:18-19
My mom and dad were gone, and this Pennsylvania girl wanted to make potato candy. This sweet, mashed potato and confectionary sugar combination, rolled out and spread with peanut butter, was a favorite in our family. I scooped a healthy portion of potatoes into the bowl and added some sugar, but soon realized my candy was runny and not forming dough. I added another large scoop of potatoes and kept beating, but the mixture was still runny. After adding a third scoop of mashed potatoes produced similar results, I realized I was filling my bowl with the wrong ingredient. I needed more powdered sugar, not potatoes.
Paul was aware there were many outside influences with which the Ephesians could be filled—much like today. Riches, position, popularity were all the things that could fill their hearts, but God wanted them to be filled with himself—with his presence. Only then would they find complete fulfillment in Christ.
We cannot be filled before we know with whom we want to be filled. Otherwise, we’ll end up filled with the wrong ingredients, like my bowl of potato candy goop. Study the attributes of God. He knows all, sees all, is everywhere, and is merciful. And he desires to fill you. Empty your heart of unnecessary ingredients; allow God’s fullness to dwell within.
Fill yourself with Christ, leaving no room for worldly pleasures.
Pamela J. Kuhn’s favorite word is joy, and her favorite place is anywhere that holds books and sells tea. Her husband, RB, is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
