I’m a Pot, You’re a Pot – Part One

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”  (II Corinthians 4:7).

Jesus desires to fill your life and give you a sense of dignity, worth, and pride.              

Much is said and written today about self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-worth. The Scripture before us gives us a beautiful self-perspective.   

Emphasis on self has grown dramatically in recent years. Self-loving and self-interest are considered universal facts. As a result, in many quarters God is no longer the object of devotion, but a means by which to get what is wanted. For many, God has become a supernatural Tool. This type of religion is “hot tub religion” because it makes you feel good and requires nothing from you.  Churches that advocate it are called by Charles Colson “McChurch.”  Millions are being fed, but no one is being fed a balanced spiritual diet.

It is essential to encourage people to love and respect themselves. It is basic to say the church must teach how God’s word helps us with modern problems. At some point the church is going to have to tell people we are intended to love God first, not self.  Only when we do love Him first can we love ourselves properly. Then we come to know who we are.

When asked, Who are you? How do you respond?

Globally oriented people might say, I’m an American.

Sports fans might say, I’m a Braves fan.

Politically minded persons might respond, I’m a Federalist.

How about, “I’m a pot!”  A pot?  A pot!

In describing a Christian, II Corinthians 4:7 uses the term “earthen vessel,” The Greek word “skeuos” literally means a clay pot.

A pot’s not so hot because it’s a pot. What makes it valuable is what it’s got. That is, what is in it makes it valuable.

The text in describing us as pots speaks of Jesus as being in us. That is what makes us valuable.

A pot doesn’t diminish the value of what it contains. What it contains determines its value. Jesus in you makes you a valuable person.