January 15

Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. — 2 Cor 4:7 BSB

Do not be surprised if you feel that in yourself, you are just an earthen vessel. Don’t be shocked if you become deeply aware, on a daily basis, of the fragile body in which God has placed light and life. Don’t be alarmed if your clay house often feels like it’s crumbling, if sickness sometimes strikes your mortal body, if you find that there is nothing good in your flesh, if your soul often clings to the dust, or if you struggle to hold on to a sense of God’s goodness and love. Don’t be startled by the corruptions of your sinful nature, the depth of sin in your carnal mind, or the vile abominations that lie hidden in your deceitful and desperately wicked heart. Remember, it is God’s will that this heavenly treasure, which makes you rich for eternity, is kept in an earthen vessel.

We are meant to carry a constant awareness of our humble origin to keep us from pride. We are to be despised by others, but none more so than by ourselves. We must continually feel our weakness and understand that without Christ, we can do nothing. This is so we may be clothed with humility and see ourselves as the chief of sinners and less than the least of all saints. In this way, we learn to appreciate the heights, depths, and breadths of Christ’s love, which stooped so low to raise us so high.