Ever attend an elaborate breakfast buffet that was a feast for the eyes as well as the appetite? Perhaps a kaleidoscope of sparkling fruit grabbed your attention first. Then you noticed the fresh breads of all shapes and sizes overflowing from broad baskets. And last, large chafing dishes displayed scrambled eggs, sausage, and French toast.
Just imagining the scene makes me want to be there! But that’s not enough. Someone who only observes such a display receives no benefit from the bounty. She has to partake in order to be fully satisfied.
Paul tells us in Colossians 2:10, “You have been given fullness in Christ.”
But there’s no benefit from his bountiful goodness if we don’t partake.
Just how do we do that–partake of the fullness in Christ? It’s one thing to talk about the concrete experience of participating in a buffet. You fill up a plate, sit down at a table, and eat. Simple!
It’s another matter to understand an abstract concept like “partaking of the fullness of Christ.” Here’s one view:
The fullness of Christ includes the fullness of his character, the fullness of his blessings, and the fullness of his promises.
Are you feeling empty, weak, or deficient? Come to Christ, to “the fullness of him who fills everything in every way” (Ephesians 1:23). Nothing is missing; nothing is left out. He is everything we need–everything that has to do with value and meaning in life, everything that has to do with joy, peace, and fulfillment.
I’m picturing a buffet, laid out for us by Jesus. But instead of fruit, bread, and egg dishes, I see attributes, blessings, and promises. Just as we fill our plates with delectable things at a buffet, we can fill our minds with everything exquisite about our Savior.
Here’s a sampler platter of…
…Christ’s attributes:
- His constant presence (Matthew 28:20).
- His tender compassion (Matthew 9:36).
- His kindness and attentiveness as our Good Shepherd (John 10:14).
…Christ’s blessings:
- The precious gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23).
- Provision of everything we need (Matthew 6:31-33).
- Peaceful rest from fear and worry (Matthew 11:28-30).
…Christ’s promises of:
- Endless possibilities , because everything is possible with God (Mark 9:23).
- Wisdom and guidance through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, 26).
- Companionship with the King of the universe (John 14:23).
Chances are these are not astonishing new revelations to you, any more than berries, cinnamon buns, or sausage are never-tried foods. But if you are enjoying a delicious meal with someone, invariably you will talk about the delectable flavors, even though the dishes are familiar fare. Sharing augments the pleasure.
So talk about the fullness of Christ–his character, blessings, and promises. Even if you have to talk to yourself! Revel in his fullness–the bounty he provides.
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What aspect of the fullness of Christ is most precious to you and why? Join the conversation below!
(Photo credit: http://www.pixnio.com)
From the Inside Out 
Love the buffet image to partaking the fullness of Christ. Thanks for this great post.
Thank you, Russell–Glad you found the buffet image meaningful!
Your post reminded me of a question someone recently asked me. The person wanted to know if I thought we were smarter for having such easy access to knowledge on the internet.
It got me thinking … if we merely accumulate knowledge and never change our ways, we never become smarter or wiser.
Maybe it’s much like that with Christ … in order to be satisfied in Him, we must follow and obey Him. Maybe in walking in those works He has prepared for us from the beginning, we truly find this banquet of Christ’s Character displayed our in own lives … resulting in peace and joy … part of a beautiful banquet …
The following verses come to mind
2 Peter 2:2-8
“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Thanks, dearest Nancy, you always make me think and look at the Word 🙂 LOVE IT!!!!
Oh, yes! You are so right, Heidi! Partaking at a buffet only satisfies for so long, even if we stuff ourselves. Partaking of Jesus’ attributes, blessings, and promises is eternally satisfying–IF we seek to know him and obey his teaching. (Most promises of scripture do come with conditions.)
Love that passage from 2 Peter, chapter 1, you included above. Think of it: by his promises we may become partakers of his divine nature! WOW!
Thanks again for your post Nancy. It reminds me how God fills me up with His love and devotion. And, He also fills me up with friendships, such as yours. God bless you.
You’re right, Laura. God uses US to help fill up others. What an awesome privilege! Thank you for your comments–always appreciate your input.
As usual, Nancy, your imagery is wonderful! I remember the awe and excitement my kids and I felt when we first saw a buffet at Disney World. 🙂
Sadly, I don’t think I tend to appreciate or contemplate the fullness of Christ in the same way. Your words make it so clear what a bounty we do have available.
I shall have to ponder though, which aspect is most precious to me. Thank you for another lovely post–your word pictures stick in my mind and give me much to continue mulling over.
I was thinking of a Disney buffet (at the Polysnesian Resort) when writing this imagery!
Thank you for your kind words, Rebeca. None of us appreciate or contemplate the fullness of Christ as much as we ought. In the writing of this post, I enjoyed a few sublime moments of doing so!
So hard to choose just one aspect, but I believe the one that touches my heart immediately is
Christ’s blessings:
The precious gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23).
Provision of everything we need (Matthew 6:31-33).
Peaceful rest from fear and worry (Matthew 11:28-30).
Because…
Eternal Life is a gift I know He will bestow upon those who accept Him as Savior. I am so confident of this blessing!
He knows what we need and provides it before we are even aware of what we are lacking. Note: Not what WE think we need or want…but what HE KNOWS is best for us.
Peaceful rest and freedom from fear and worry is a blessing that this gal needs to grab hold of and claim it every day!
Great posting, Nancy. Love you!
P.S. I sent you a FB message with a question.
Fresh review fosters fresh wonder. If I imagine hearing about these blessings for the first time, the incredulity is magnified. Think of it: eternal life, provision of everything we need, peaceful rest. WOW! Thank you, Cheri, for your thoughtful input.
P.S. I’ll head over to FB now!
Nancy,
I found your blog in a search for Ephesians 3:20-21. It was tagged as Ephesians 3:23…after reading and truly loving your buffet description of the fullness of Christ, I realized there is no Ephesians 3:23. (Should have been Ephesians 1:23.) I’ve now spent some time scanning your blogs and look forward to enjoying more of your writings.
Thankful this morning that this “mistake” got me acquainted with you. Definitely will be sharing with friends.
Good morning, Delores! Thank you for pointing out my mistake so I can fix it, as well as your encouragement! May you enjoy a blessed day!