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October 17 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10. As we accept Christ into our lives, we become a habitat for the Holy Spirit. He is our treasure in our earthen vessel. Some of us would have the vessel be the object of focus—we long to look good to the world around us. But no, it is the treasure within that is the source of greatness. This is so because only the Lord is to receive praise. The vessel needs to be plain so as not to detract from the treasure. I like to think of an earthenware vase that contains beautiful flowers. If the vase is too ornate it will detract from the flowers. In a like manner the contrast between vessel and treasure should ever be present. The world will wonder why we are not crushed by affliction, why we are not in despair when we are perplexed. It is all because of the sustaining treasure within. The Holy Spirit will never let us be destroyed, although we may even appear to be struck down. We have this treasure within that the world will never understand—accept they become spiritually appraised. We should not want it to be any other way. For if we become the object of praise it would only detract from the real need for a Savior. Yes, our salvation even extends into our daily living. We are to appear in stark contrast to the values of the world. Thank You, Father, for making it all happen through Your Son, Jesus. Only by our receiving of the Holy Spirit can we live out the life that You have chosen for us. That Spirit never seeks to direct praise to Himself; instead He directs all praise to the Son. So it is to be in our own personal life. We thank You again and again as we go through this day. Amen. |
