.....clay

One of our greatest gifts that we can give our Heavenly Father is the recognition of how little we have to give. It's a wonderful mystery that the Almighty God can reach so far down and lift us up, through the gift of His Son and the power of the Holy Spirit and elevate us to the position of "co-heirs with Christ" Romans 8:17

Through faith in Jesus, we experience a new birth and are given the gift of eternal life. This is an incredible gift, almost more than we can imagine! Through faith in Jesus, the Creator of the Universe transforms our heart and makes His dwelling within us; "I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh" Ezekiel 36:26. 

This message of Salvation can change lives, and we have been called to take this message to the world!! 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

God has chosen to entrust this message of forgiveness, this "ministry of reconciliation" 2 Corinthians 5:18, this most valuable treasure, to us - common jars of clay! In Paul's day these jars were very ordinary vessels, easily chipped or broken, and often flawed. How beautifully appropriate!

Our flaws actually serve a purpose in God's plan, for our jars of clay show that the message which shines in and through our life is from God and not from us. When 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 definitely not perfect!!

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.

This does not mean we should make light of sin or give less than our very best, we must begin to view our weaknesses as opportunities to depend more on God and to keep our focus more on Christ. As we trust Him more, His power will be made perfect in us.

This also means that the flaws which inevitably surface in those around us are also part of God's plan. These flaws afford 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, for the rest of our days on earth, we are ALL jars of clay.

- steve troxel