Wed. July 14
"WE HAVE THIS TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS." (2 CORINTHIANS 4:7)
Honored, but not exalted!
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When God calls you to do something, it means you're called to a higher level of accountability. Jesus said, "Unto whom much is given, of him shall much be required." (See Lk 12:48). But this is where we get it wrong. We think those who are called, are not cut from the same bolt of cloth as others. Wrong! Just because someone prays powerfully and delivers God's Word skillfully, doesn't mean they don't struggle in certain areas. Their struggles may be unseen, but they're still real. We must be careful to make distinction between the treasure and the vessel. If you're a leader, never allow anyone to expect you to be the treasure. Keep your ego in check. Paul says: "We have this treasure," he didn't say we are the treasure!
Let's face it, God uses people we wouldn't use, like Rahab, working the red light district of Jericho. But when she placed her faith in God He used her to win the battle of Jericho, then included her in the family of Christ. Or how about Jephthah who was born to an unwed mother, rejected by his family, and lived in a cave with his own gang of private mercenaries? God used him to deliver Israel and become the nation's youngest judge. Isn't grace amazing?
God specializes in restoring broken vessels. He takes things that aren't productive - marriages that don't work, people with "issues" - and teaches them how to be victorious and fruitful in His service. Knowing this gives us the strength and tenacity to face whatever comes, because we know that when God places His treasure within us, He prizes, protects and prospers it.
good stuff
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