I WILL STAND STRONG 30 DAY CHALLENGESample

Upstream and Downstream 

Would you rather drink out of a river or a pond? 

The thought of drinking out of a pond is actually nauseating. The water is stagnant, and since it doesn’t move, it becomes a prime place for bacteria to grow. But a river is constantly moving and refreshing itself; thus, giving you fresh water to drink.  

When you think about it. A river has an upstream and a downstream. A source and a destination. This is how water from a river becomes nourishment for our bodies. Drink from a pond and you can get sick. Drink from a river and you stay healthy. 

In the same way, God has made each of us to be nourishment for others. With the life given to us, God wants us to give away to others. But the only way to do that is for us to constantly be taking the truths we’ve learned (upstream), and sharing them with others (downstream).

The Apostle Paul was a great example and mentor to young Timothy. In one of his letters, Paul encouraged Timothy with a principle for spiritual growth: “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). 

Paul is reminding Timothy to take the things he learned from him (upstream), and to teach others (downstream). Paul reveals to Timothy the importance to have an upstream and a downstream in ministry life. In this way, the truth of God moved through him and unto others. Allowing Timothy to be nourished and nourishment for others. 

Over the years, I (Jason Benham), have had several mentors who have poured into my life. On top of my time alone with God, I’ve learned under these mentors and have devoured their teaching. But I’ve also made sure to have a group of younger men in my life that I can pour into as well. I’ve discovered that the more I pour into them the more I actually learn myself. It’s been a fascinating journey.  

How about you? Do you have an upstream and a downstream? 

Remember. One without the other takes you from being a river to being a pond. So, make sure your life is being poured into so that you can pour into others!