The Christian is simply a “jar of clay”; it is the treasure within the vessel that gives the vessel its value. God has made us the way we are so that we can do the work He wants us to do. God said of Paul, “He is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles” (Acts 9:15). No Christian should ever complain to God because of his lack of gifts or abilities, or because of his limitations or handicaps. Our very genetic structure is in the hands of God. Each of us must accept himself and be himself.

The important thing about a vessel is that it be clean, empty, and available for service. Each of us must seek to become a vessel so that God might use us. We are earthen vessels, so we need to depend on God’s power and not our own.

We must focus on the treasure, not on the vessel. Paul was not afraid of suffering or trial, because he knew God would guard the vessel as long as Paul was guarding the treasure. Sometimes God permits our vessels to be jarred so that some of the treasure
will spill out and enrich others.

Remember this: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7, NIV).

Read:  Psalm 139:13-16; 2 Timothy 2:20-21.

Action assignment: In your own words, describe:

1. The Treasure
2. The “jar of clay”
3. How some of the treasure could spill out from you should you be “jarred” .                                                                                                                                          

Then talk with God.