⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (1 Corinthians 4:7 NIV)

Some translations of this verse use “earthen vessels” instead of Jars of Clay. This speaks to where we came from and the fragile nature of who we are.

When scripture was written jars of clay were used for all manner of storage. However, one did not typically keep treasure in them as they were easily broken. We too have easily broken jars of clay in regards to our lives. Life is far more fragile than we realize. Things can happen quickly and events turn on a dime.

Yet, God chose to keep His treasure in our fragile being. He chose humanity as his avenue to take the Good News to every corner of the earth. And when we consider just how far Paul’s writing spread we can see what just one jar, filled to the brim, can do.

I think, too often, we short-change ourselves and in doing so short-change God. We look at what He wants to do through us and are convinced that we have nothing to offer. God does not make trash. God does not make a earthen vessel that is not worth filling, and if we allow it, fill it He does.

Yes, our jars of clay are easily broken. But God uses even the broken ones.