One of the greatest encouragers in my life recently sent me a message: “Be the straw to the soda.” (She was quoting Sam Dalton, a speaker she admires.)

Such a simple phrase, and yet it encourages me to “be the straw” to Jesus in so many ways…

Being the straw to the soda reminds me that I’m not the soda. I don’t have to be the soda. I just have to be the vehicle through which someone tastes the soda. I’m going to mess up, but that’s because I’m not the soda – only Jesus is!

Being the straw to the soda reminds me to stay grounded. If I’m out of the soda, what good am I? I’m just a piece of plastic filled with air. I’d rather be filled and useful!

Being the straw reminds me that I’m not the only means someone has to the soda. Again, it’s not about me…it’s about the soda! Some people prefer direct drinks without a straw, and I’m okay with not being needed sometimes.

Being the straw reminds me I need to stay true to my purpose. Straws are consistent in structure: a long hollow tube. Sure, they might differ in color, size…and some even twist or bend, but some designs just aren’t going to work…like holes all over or a sharp bend. I need to accept the way I’m designed – my purpose – and trust I’m going to be most effective in it!

What about you? How will you be the straw to the soda today?

And there are different ways that God works through people but the same God. 1 Corinthians 12:6