Becoming a Reservoir

I believe it was Eldredge who said that Christians must "become reservoirs of grace, not canals." (it probably appears elsewhere - I can only remember this instance). Anyway, a reservoir gives water from its overfill, a canal just passes on what it only recently acquired.

I think the same idea can also apply to how we should approach growing in "knowledge" as well as "grace". It can take a reservoir a long time to fill, and it can take a long time to grow in wisdom - but that's the only way you can truly give to others without depleting your own supply.

This concept of the "overflow" is at root a Pauline metaphor: "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you." (1 Thess. 3:12)

If you liked Eldredge's quote, this fellow has a nice post reflecting on the concept.