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Yesterday we were reminded of our need to be regularly filled by spending time with the Lord. Today, we will continue that thought with the truth that just as we all need to be poured into by God, we ought to also be pouring out all that we have soaked up from the Lord on those around us.
This week, we are using symbols or actions that are a part of our everyday lives to remind us about spiritual truths that are worth remembering. Ben Franklin is famous for popularizing the idea, "Nothing is certain except death and taxes." Well, in my season of life with a baby, laundry and dishes are fairly certain as well. While I am very grateful to have one, most German dishwashers are significantly smaller than the ones I'm used to in the US, so I still find myself hand-washing pots and pans quite a bit. Maybe it's just me, but nothing grosses me out like a soggy sponge, so I am always sure to sufficiently wring out my sponge before placing it back where it goes to await the next dirty dish.
The next time you wring out a sponge after washing dishes, remember this truth:
As I receive from the Lord, I need to also pour out into others.
If we just sit in church and receive, receive, receive, yet never serve or share all that we have learned and received from God with others, then we become like that soggy sponge. Yuck! A sponge is designed to soak up water—but for a purpose! It soaks up and then pours out. We are similar. We are designed to have close fellowship with God, but not only for ourselves. We are to share Him with others!
If we do not make a habit of pouring out and sharing the gospel and what we have received from God with others, we become stagnant. However, Proverbs 11:25 says, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Nothing is as un-refreshing as stagnant water. In fact, it is dangerous! This truth that those who refresh others will be refreshed themselves reminds us that pouring out does more than bless the one you are serving or sharing with; it blesses you as well. There is much joy to be found in being a messenger of God's Word and in being an instrument in His hands.
One practical way to improve at this is to add a step in your Bible study. Hopefully when you study the Bible you consider what the passage says and means and then consider how the passage might apply to your life. Add one final step by asking the question: "Who can I share this with?" Is there someone who comes to mind that would be encouraged by the truth you have gleaned from a passage? Is there someone in your life who needs to be reminded or taught of what you have learned that day for their own spiritual growth, repentance, encouragement or even salvation? If truly nobody comes to mind, pray and ask God to bring someone into your path who you can share what you have learned that day with.
So let the certain task of doing dishes serve as a reminder to you: No soggy sponges allowed! Pour out!
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