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Jars of Clay
by Steve Troxel (Steve's bio)
[Note: If you'd like to read more from Steve, be sure to visit God's Daily Word.]
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God has given us an incredible gift through His Son. Through faith in Jesus, we are given the gift of eternal life in Heaven. When we are "born again" into the Family of God (John 3:3), Jesus lives in us through the power of the Holy Spirit - who is given to us as a "deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." (2 Corinthians 1:22).
Once we truly place our faith and trust in Jesus, we are forever changed - we become "a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). The new has come, and the new is different - but "the new" is not perfect!!
2 Corinthians 4:7
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
One of the wonderful mysteries of God's plan is that He has chosen to place His most valuable treasure in us - jars of clay.
"Jars of clay" is used to signify the common clay pots of the day. The King James Version renders this phrase as "earthen vessels" - pots made from the clay-like mud of the earth. These vessels were very ordinary, easily chipped or broken, and often flawed. How beautifully appropriate!
Paul infers that our flaws actually serve a purpose in God's plan. Our jars of clay show that what shines forth in our lives is from God and not from us.
Paul himself was far from perfect: "Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?" (2 Corinthians 11:29). But Paul had been clearly taught by Jesus that his weakness served the purpose of bringing the ultimate glory and honor to God: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Let's not be so hard on ourselves when we face our lack of perfection. This doesn't mean we should make light of sin, but we must view our weaknesses as opportunities to depend more on God and to keep our focus on Jesus.
Also, let's not be so hard on others when some of their flaws inevitably surface. This too is part of God's plan as it affords us the opportunity to demonstrate grace, forgiveness, and love. One day when we are taken to be with Jesus we will be made perfect - but for now, we're ALL jars of clay.
Copyright 2001, Steve Troxel. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Steve Troxel: Steve Troxel is the President of God's Daily Word Ministries. Steve was trained as an Electrical Engineer and received his PhD in 1994. After working as a researcher in a laser laboratory for several years, Steve felt the call from God to leave his trained profession and enter into full-time ministry. His devotionals are now sent around the world via email as well as distributed in book format. More information about this ministry as will as a "sign-up" page can be found at: http://www.godsdailyword.org |
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