Spiritual Sponges
A spiritual sponge is a person who constantly soaks up your spiritual energy. This can be good or bad so you have to use discernment when it comes to spiritual sponges in your life. Healthy sponges soak your energy up and wring themselves out for others to enjoy. But then there is the selfish sponge that constantly soaks up but never takes time to wring out. With each encounter they become heavier and heavier. God doesn’t transform a soul in order for it to sit and soak. That soul is changed so it can bring new life into the world. After nearly 18 years of ministry I am cautious about who I will allow to soak up my spiritual energy. It is bad stewardship to spend all of your energy on people who will do nothing with what you are sharing. Surround yourself with healthy sponges but don’t spend too much time with selfish ones, Jesus didn’t.
16Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 17“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.”18“Which ones?” the man inquired.Jesus replied, ” ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.” 20“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 21Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Thanks, I needed this word today of all days.
Jimmy I love this!!! I always love to learn and grow in Christ so I can pass it on to others and assume they will do the same. I never really thought about letting other people drain me spiritually because I always want everyone to experience the joy I have.. Good stuff brother..
Wow that’s pretty heavy- I’m hoping I’m not the only one wondering if I’m a good sponge or a bad one..
Wisdom is justified by her children. I seek my spiritual energy from God. His supply his limitless, as seems to be my need!
Katherine, you are NOT the only one. I laughed when I read that. My first thought was, which am i? But the truth is that i have probably been both.. Need to work harder on being the good one. =)
Jim
I feel in discerning one’s character or reasons for our why they are needing fellowship or seeking help i really need to look at ones fruit. I have a fellow co-worker that i have been witnessing to latley in his tough times. A few weeks have passed and it doesnt really seem that he is taking the steps to a new way of life or bearing good fruit. As the spirit is leading me on the oppurtunity to witness i have felt the weight cause we continue to go over the same problem he is having. When do i cut the tie and keep my distance????
Timothy,
That is a hard question. In a benevolence ministry if people showed up to often they were eventually cutoff because they were not trying to improve their circumstances. In your situation, the friend is having the same issues time after time. I used to wrestle with when do I give up? Then I realized that I am the beggar at the benevolence ministry door and I am the friend with the same issues time after time when I approach God’s door of grace and mercy. He keeps having to forgive the same sins time after time. I stumble often, continually weak. I am glad there are no limits to his grace. How can I put limits of the grace I give to others?
Peace,
Richard
I’m dealing with something similar as Tim – and he has a question similar to the one I’ve been dealing with in a few situations. The only thing I can come up with is let the Spirit lead.