Empty boxes
“What do we need with all the empty boxes?” my granddaughter asked as we piled dozens of boxes inside the church. “There’s nothing in them!”
“We’re going to use them to carry stew.”
“In the boxes?” She frowned in confusion.
I smiled as I considered what she might be thinking–stew overflowing from a soggy cardboard box and making a real mess as the box collapsed.
“Well,” I said, “you’ve noticed these boxes are empty?” At her nod, I continued, “But they have a purpose for us. We’re going to put something special inside them–cartons of the stew we’re making on Saturday.”
“Oh,” her brown eyes sparkled. “We’ll carry the stew in the boxes. We’ll take some to my house, won’t we?” She picked up one of the empty boxes. “The box is going to help us–but it’s what’s inside the box that’s special.”
It’s what’s inside that counts
It’s that way with us, too. Although we often judge ourselves or others by the outward appearance, our Father reminds us, it’s what inside that counts.
God rejected Saul as the king over Israel because Saul turned away from God. Following God’s instructions, Samuel traveled to Jesse of Bethlehem to anoint a new king. One of Jesse’s sons was to be chosen.
Samuel considered Eliab as the likely candidate, but God had a different plan.
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
Not the empty boxes
God rejected all seven of Jesse’s sons who passed before Samuel. The Prophet inquired of Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” (1 Samuel 16:11)
David was tending sheep, but Jesse sent for him. Following God’s affirmation, Samuel anointed David as king.
God rejected seven men prior to David. Were they empty boxes? What was missing in these men?
We’re not empty boxes. Our body is home to the Holy Spirit.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God. You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
We have a divine being living within us. How awesome is that?
We are not an empty box.
We are a vessel filled with the Holy Spirit–who is with us every moment. This Spirit guides us on our daily walk. Because of His love, we’re able to bear fruit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
A heart which is given to our Lord demonstrates these fruits–sharing the fruit with others. Just as God reminded Samuel the Prophet–He sees our heart. God knows our heart. It isn’t our outward appearance that matters to God–It’s our heart.
When I ask myself–“What does God see in my heart?“–I don’t always like the answer. What about you?
Katherine, your post led me to examine my heart. Thank you for this reminder: “We are a vessel filled with the Holy Spirit–who is with us every moment. This Spirit guides us on our daily walk. Because of His love, we’re able to bear fruit.” I enjoyed the empty box analogy and the important reminder.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts, Jeannie. Your encouragement brings sunshine to this cloudy day. Peace and blessings!
Katherine you presented a sweet story with a powerful analogy. Lots of food for thought (no pun intended) and prayer prompt for self-reflection. Thank you.
I need that self-reflection, too, Marilyn and the reminder for me to slow down and listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Praying for you as you prepare for your book release. As we both know, a much needed topic to share with those going through loss of their dearest loved one.
You’ve got my mouth watering early on a Monday morning Ms. Katherine. Just thinking about your church’s annual stew event gets me in the mood to make wonderful soups and stews as cooler weather is approaching. Of course, the entree’, the main course was your delicious serving of godly wisdom. Your analogy of the empty box was so right on target ma’am. Once we come to Christ and are “born again”, we are like that empty box. We are devoid of all the past and we are free from the chains of sin that bound us. Too many are wont to stay in that position, but there’s only two uses for an empty box. Fill it or destroy it. It can’t be of much use to anyone if it just sits empty and unused. Same with God. How and what we fill our “empty boxes” with is such an important point to consider. We can once again fill them with worldly things or we can heed the Holy Spirit’s presence and seek to surrender its filling to His control. Loved this post ma’am. Thank you, and I pray your stew event sits records this year and brings much glory to God in the process. I can almost hear the fun and fellowship (inside and out) as you work, worship, and grow together as a “family of faith” my friend.
J.D., your wisdom and compassion extend my message as you delve into the symbolism of the empty box. Thank you for taking the time to reflect and share your insight. When you point out that following salvation and “rebirth” we are freed from the chains of sin that bound us, warmth fills my heart with joy at His gift. I hadn’t considered that aspect of the “empty box.” Aren’t we blessed that the love and light of Jesus fills that empty space and the love keeps growing as we share it with others? Thank you for the good wishes in regard to our stew. It’s a long week of preparation, but Saturday will be a wonderful day as we share in work and fellowship to serve our Father and our community. May God bless you and your Cross-Dubya family, my friend.
I’ll never look at an empty box the same way again, Katherine. What an amazing analogy to spur us to think about our hearts and how we should always only allow the goodness of God to fill us. Thanks for the encouragement, my friend!
Thank you, Barbara, your kind encouragement sends sunshine and joy. It is such a blessing for me to be part of our writing community and share love and encouragement for one another as we seek to write to our Father’s glory. Wishing you a week filled with peace, joy, and blessings.
That wonderful analogy must be why I’ve been saving all those empty boxes. Thank you for the reminder Katherine. A good heart-check.
Now I can affirm my habit of saving empty boxes because I “might need them.” It’s wonderful to find a kindred spirit. Thanks so much for your support and encouragement, Sylvia. Joy and blessings!
Amen. We are not an empty box. We are filled with the hope and joy found in God. I pray I will always shine His light so others may know Him. 🙂
Thank you for being a light for Jesus, Melissa. Your bright smile and inspiring messages bring hope and joy to others. Blessings!
We are vessels filled with the Holy Spirit….and….we’re able to bear fruit. But ….”What does God see in my heart?” Thank you Katherine for challenging me to examine my heart.
Our Creator, guide, and pruner (when we need it) assures us that with Him, we will bear fruit in service to Him. Thank you, Lisa, for sharing hope, joy, and love through your writing ministry. Wishing you a week of sunshine and blessings.
When we feel as empty as those boxes, as we all do at some point or another, thankfully, we can call on the power of the Holy Spirit who is always with us.
What a wonderful ministry – sharing stew. Your post reminds me it will soon be cool enough for some slow-cooked and hearty beef stew!
This most recent cool-down reminds us winter is coming–it’s a perfect time for soup and stew. I’m thankful that God filled our empty spaces with His gift of love, Jesus, and we received the gift of the Holy Spirit when we chose salvation. I remember being an empty box and I’m so thankful God gifted me with a second chance when He rescued me from the pit and granted me the gift of life. May God bless you, Candyce.
Great analogy, Katherine!
Thank you, Diana. Wishing you a blessed week.
Katherine, this is an excellent reminder to be mindful that God’s Spirit resides in us. I’m afraid that sometimes I forget that and say or do something which doesn’t honor Him.
I’m sure your stew was delicious.
I confess that I sometimes forget, too, Connie, and say or do things that don’t honor God. We are so blessed to have a forgiving, loving, and merciful Father that helps us learn and do better. Peace and blessings!
“We are not an empty box.” So, true. Instead we are jars of clay carrying a great treasure. I think I forget that sometimes, but thinking on it now really lifts my spirit. Thanks for the boost, Katherine.
Yes, we are jars of clay, Terri, and so fragile. Thankfully, through our connection to our Father, and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, we are given the strength, courage, and perseverance to continue on the journey with Him. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Katherine,
This reminded me that even if other people see what we lack on the outside (a best selling book, a huge following) God smiles at the delicious treats inside… all the fruit of the Spirit!
And I loved all the extra meat in these great comments, too.
Barb, thank you for sharing your thoughts. Other people see and judge (as we do to them), but our Father sees all and knows our heart. When we try our best and give Him all we can, “God smiles at the delicious treats inside.” Love how you expressed that. Thank you!
Such a beautiful message Katherine. I loved your analogy with empty boxes. We are so much more than what people see because they can’t look inside us. But God can. So it is important to fill our lives with the things that please Him.
I hope and pray that God sees we are trying and continues to guide us on our journey with Him. And isn’t it wonderful that God knows what is inside and loves us anyway! Thank you for your kind encouragement, Yvonne. Blessings!
Loved the visual of empty boxes. Their purpose is to be filled or tossed. We, as Believers, are filled with the Spirit of God and can be of great use to the world—if we choose to make ourselves available. Great post, Katherine!
“Filled or tossed.” Aren’t we blessed that God doesn’t toss us away when we mess up? He picks us up, brushes us off, and says, “Keep trying, I am with you.” Thank you for sharing your insight, Mary. May God continue to bless you in your service to Him. Best wishes on your new release–just in time for Christmas.
Beautiful analogy! We discussed Rehab today. Another example of what’s inside counts.
Auto correct changed Rahab to Rehab. 🙂
Isn’t that frustrating? I get irritated that my computer and phone think they are smarter than me. But, I don’t want to do without the keyboard and the gift we receive for speedier writing (remembering the days before computers–typing on a manual or electric typewriter).
Thank you, Debbie. We are blessed that Scripture provides so many examples of faithful followers of God to provide us with wonderful role models.
Great post! I’m thankful I’m no longer an empty box!
Me too, LuAnn! We are so blessed by our Lord’s love. He is always with us. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
You gave me a compelling analogy with some excellent points to ponder. Thanks, Katherine!
Thanks for your encouragement, Annie. Blessings!