7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
We will always be clay pots! Our purpose in life is not to make our pots look better, but to show off the contents: Christ. This is a hard lesson to learn in a culture that concentrates so much energy on the outside, on the self. Paul is emphasizing to the church at Corinth that the container is not important. He was not important. None of the other Apostles was important. It didn’t matter who brought the message of Christ. Christ was the important one. The Gospel message was and is important. We see this struggle today when someone has to get credit for an event. If it is a God event, let God get the credit. Our hearts and lives should always be pointing at Him, at the contents of the jar, not the jar. Compared to the treasure of Jesus, our vessel has no glory. We are created in the image of God, but when God is present, our poor reflection dims to darkness. Believe it or not, I don’t like public acknowledgements of my accomplishments. I don’t do well when people lift me up. I realize my own unworthiness and I want people to focus on God’s grace poured out in my life. I want people to see Him. I know if they really saw me, they would turn in disgust. The same is true of you as well. If we are honest, we are all just clay pots, mud formed and fired. Pots can hold roses or stinkweed, gold or cow manure. So, today, when you are tempted to spruce up your pot so that others will admire it, spend some time focusing on the contents of your new life in Christ. Show of Christ! He is worth the focus.
The Arnold Journey 