2 Corinthians 4:7 

“Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.” 

I have most likely read over this verse many times but tonight it caught my attention. Tonight it served as a pride check for me. Many times I think that I am entitled to certain things. Sometimes I even feel like I deserve grace because of certain things I do that others don’t (horrible I know). This verse serves as a reminder that I am nothing but a clay jar. I am but a fragile and finite human being. I have done absolutely nothing to deserve the great treasure I have been given. I am eternally indebted to my Savior and I could never be entitled to His death on the cross. I know that I am loved by my precious King and that He accepts me and sees me as holy and righteous, but I need to keep in mind that I in no way am anything more than His instrument. I am His vessel set apart for His work. Yes, I have been adopted into His family and I am valued but I exist here on the earth solely to bring glory to God.

Here is the great/relieving part about realizing my position and part in God’s plan. Because I am just a “clay jar” there is no way I can get credit for any of God’s sovereign work. Likewise, the results don’t depend on me but rather on the omnipotence of God. It will be obvious that it is Jesus working in and through my life. God is in control of it all, not me! Others will see the treasure inside of me not because of anything that I do but because the treasure I possess can not be contained! Not only do I get to have the precious treasure but others get to come to know the treasure through God’s work in me.

I praise God that He selected me to be one of the clay pots in which to place His wonderful treasure and I pray that I will never lose my sense of awe and reverence when I remember…He chose me and I am undeserving. 

-Emily