2 Corinthians 4:7-9, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair, persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed.”
Paul is an example of a man that experienced tremendous pressures. He was falsely accused regarding his character, was hunted by 40 men who conspired to kill him, was unjustly put in prison, and yet remained steadfast in holding onto his faith and trust in God’s power in his life despite adversity. He said twice in 1 Cor. 4, that “we do not give up (vv1,16). Paul rested in the fact that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead would enable him to endure adversity. He was the mentor of mentors. Paul’s attitude was that the trial would allow the power of God to be revealed because he couldn’t do it on his own abilities and strength, but God could meet every one of his needs and bring victory. I don’t think I always look at the hard situations I am in (there were several just this week), with that perspective. Do you?
Did you ever picture your salvation and the fact that the Holy Spirit lives inside of you as being a treasure inside a piece of pottery, a clay pot? Jars of clay and earthenware dishes were standard during the time of the Corinthians and Paul. They were not very durable, were inexpensive, fragile, and served a purpose even though they were simply a standard container. Think about that for a moment. God places the richness of His Son and the light of the understanding and knowledge of Jesus, into the jar of clay of our lives and is not embarrassed to use clay pots like you and like me, who are sinners saved by grace.
“It was a piano craftsman Theodore Steinway who said that it is the forty thousand pounds of pressure exerted on the two hundred forty-five strings of a piano that creates beautiful harmony. Sometimes it is only the pressure, the persecution we undergo that causes a song to resonate in the hearts of those with whom we share.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary, New Testament.
The Message sums up the meaning of these verses so eloquently: “If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with us. As it is, there’s not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we’re not much to look at. We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do.”
Remember, you are a messenger proclaiming Jesus Christ, who shines the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, reflected in the face of Jesus, through your heart. It is not about us, it is always about Jesus. Sometimes our silence in a group at work will speak more than our spoken words. Words we choose not to use will shine light into the atmosphere at our workplace, as God will use us even if we feel like a cracked jar of clay pottery.
Helen Mitchell (Professor at Biola, author, coach, Faith@Work Strategist), our first speaker at the Fellowship Of Women In The Workplace, at Crossroads Community Church this past Monday night, stated, “You are the highest-ranking individual wherever you go. You carry the Holy Spirit inside of you when you go to work or go to the grocery store. So pray for the people you see!” Remember throughout your day today, that you possess the most significant treasure inside of you as you apply 2 Cor. 4:7-9 in your life.
Listen to Casting Crowns song Nobody (lyrics) YouTube.