2 Corinthians 4:7 "But this precious treasure -- this light and power that now shine within us -- is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own."
In the first century, treasures were kept in unattractive, and simple jars made of clay. These jars had little value or worth themselves so they did not attract attention to their contents. Paul suggests to the Christian Corinthians that they are like these clay jars. They may be unattractive to the world and never have any wealth themselves, BUT their contents are worth more than gold! And that's exactly how it ought to be. Their contents (Jesus) is what forms their true identity. The jar should not detract from what's inside.
I too am a jar made of clay. I may have days where I am pressed on every side, crushed, and even hunted down as Paul says, but what I have inside is all that really matters. So when I am down, and when I feel discouraged, I must remember that there is "glorious power" within me. On the days when I feel like I am worth nothing more than a cracked and used clay jar, I must remember my identity is not found in the jar, but in Christ! How can I let Christ shine through me today? How can I allow people so see Jesus instead of the jar?
Dear Jesus, help me remember that my life is all about you, and not the jar. Amen!
