Conduits or Receptacles?

Written by Tom Cooper

Most of us have many reasons to be grateful. We have received love, encouragement, and support at different times in our life. The sources could be family, close friends, financial gifts, education, success, health, fortunate circumstances, etc. It could come via our family circumstances, hard work, luck, or any combination.

We can take such blessings and use them primarily to advance the dreams and goals of ourselves and our families. I call this being a Receptacle. An alternative is to generously share with others out of the gifts we have been given. I call this being a Conduit.

Last year I met a local family. The husband’s anxiety prevented him from working, and his family, who were relatively new to Canada, were struggling financially. A friend of CIF, who had themselves been able to receive help with their own mental health issues, was able to support him by paying an excellent therapist who helped him get back to work.

Below is a part of a letter I received a month ago:

“I just wanted to… let you know that we are all doing well. My health continues to get better…. I also wanted to let you know that I have sponsored 10 sessions with the same therapist for a friend of mine who is suffering with depression. Because some anonymous person showed me and my family concern and generosity in Christ ...I am delighted to do it for someone else.”

“And the Lord said to Abraham, “....I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing” Genesis 12:2

Our blessings are never intended for ourselves alone.

As we enter a new year, will we strive to be Receptacles or Conduits?

Blessings,

Tom