New Year’s question: Spigot or sponge?

It’s a new year, and I have decided I would rather be a spigot that a sponge. What on earth does that mean? OK, I’ll tell you.

First, what is a spigot?

A spigot is a faucet, a tap, or a pipe through which fresh water flows. Hot, cold, or lukewarm, this is the outlet for water coming from its source for our use.

If we’re thirsty, we go to the spigot. If our hands are dirty … you guessed it.

So why would I want to be a spigot more than a sponge?

Sponges are useful, right? Sure, it’s important for us to soak up all the learning and training knowledge and other edification that we can. I get that.

But when I think about a sponge, it’s from a different angle. Step into my kitchen, and you will find a squishy sponge that is used to wipe up all sorts of stuff. We use it to clean messy counters, swipe off dirty dishes, and even sop up spills on the floor.

That’s when the now-nasty sponge must be washed out well and tossed into the dishwasher on an extra hot cycle – or tossed out altogether. Otherwise, that same sponge can spread all sorts of germs and stinks. 

I don’t wanna be like that.

I’d rather be a spigot. People are thirsty for something real. How cool would it be to be an open outlet through which God could pour his life-giving fresh message to those around me?

Jesus told a wayward woman that He could offer water that would satisfy her for life.

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14, NIV)

How great is that?

Yes. I’d rather be a spigot than a sponge. Because I’d much prefer to offer something fresh from the Source than to soak up and spread something stale and icky.

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Adapted from public domain image/s

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I’d Rather Have Jesus – Hearty Hymns from A to Z

This beloved hymn, widely attributed to Rhea F. Miller (1894-1966) and likely penned in the 1920s, may be familiar to scores of believers. Some sources point to Swedish Prince Oscar C.A. Bernadotte (1859-1953) as the lyricist. George Beverly Shea, the famous late soloist of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association crusades, is credited for the musical composition.

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand .

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than man’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name.

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.

Listen to George Beverly Shea’s famous rendition of “I’d Rather Have Jesus”:

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Created by this user with online generator

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2. Thank Him publicly – 30 days of thankful Scriptures

Sure, God hears our private prayers, and He treasures the longings of our secret hearts. But He deserves our public praise as well. 

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” (1 Chronicles 16:8, ESV)

Are we willing to praise the Lord before mankind? Will we stand up for God among the nations? He is worthy!

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Bible verse graphic created by this user,

using online quote generator.

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