CONTAINER

noun:  an object that can be used to hold something; vessel, receptacle, holder

“Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.”  2 Timothy 2:21

I have to admit that I get really excited about storage. I can spend hours at Storables or Target organizing in my mind the ideal pantry, closet, or desk drawer. Quite often, however, the containers I end up with cost more than whatever is going to be stored inside. Sigh.

I love the idea that God wants us to be containers. I’m all in. Glass jars, woven baskets, plastic boxes with snappy lids, metal tubs, canvas bins...

What kind do you want me to be, Jesus?

But by focusing on the containers so much, I might be missing the point. 

Maybe what’s really important about storing things is not the container itself, but what’s inside. 

What it holds…

We have the privilege of holding the spirit of God. Inside of us. He gives us the opportunity to be his vessels-ready to share “any and every kind of gift” with this world.  

Love, grace, understanding, support, relief, care, freedom…

There are so many ways that we can “present” these gifts from God.

Maybe with such beautiful, valuable things inside of us, we don’t need to spend so much time thinking about our outward appearance. As cute as those pin-striped canvas bins and the decorative canisters are, they are actually not the most effective.

When I really think about it, my go-to containers are the ones I can reach quickly and open easily. The ones that clearly show what’s inside. The ones with plenty of room.

Can we be like this?

Accessible to the ones that need us, ready to listen and help and give?

Visible to those around us? Offering them something real and life-changing?

Opening up space in our hearts for people we know and people we don’t?

Does what the world sees in us bring people closer to Jesus?

Let’s invite Him in:  Ask Jesus to shine through you. He loves that you are his child, and he delights to live in your heart. As he continually fills you with his spirit, his light and joy are revealed to everyone around you. Try not to worry about your "container". It's not nearly as valuable as what you hold inside.