Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
The Lord uses ordinary, broken people to accomplish His extraordinary plan.
Without question, this statement is theologically and biblically true.
Yet, if I’m being honest, sometimes it’s easier for me to believe the Lord can use other people than believing He can use me. Why do I feel this way?
Well, when I compare myself to other individuals in ministry, they seem to have their act together better than I do. They don’t appear broken at all. In fact, from a distance, I can only see their strengths.
Meanwhile, when I look at myself, I only see my weaknesses. And flaws. And insecurities. And struggles with sin, etc., etc.
If I’m not careful, I begin to think I’m too ordinary and too broken to be used by God. I start believing the lie that I’ll never be good enough, smart enough, or talented enough for God to use me. And worst of all, I could miss the opportunities He puts right in front of me.
Are you in danger of thinking the same thing?
Do you also feel unqualified and inadequate to do whatever God has called you to do? If so, then allow me to welcome you to the “Jars of Clay Club.”
In Paul’s day, jars of clay were comparable to today’s cardboard boxes or the Tupperware in our kitchen cabinets. They were cheap, common household items to which no one gave a second thought. Sometimes, however, they would be used to store valuables or money, and when that happened, these ordinary clay jars became extremely valuable.
How does this apply to us?
If we’re Christians, then our weak, “jar of clay-like” bodies contain the most priceless treasure of all: the Light and Glory of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:6). Though the Lord could’ve accomplished His plan a thousand different ways, He chose ordinary folks like us, warts and all, to carry His message of salvation to the world.
The fact that we are invited to participate at all is an astonishing act of His grace. What that says to me is we must not let our feelings of inadequacy prevent us from getting involved in some way.
By inviting us into His mission, God makes it abundantly clear that this “all-surpassing power” comes from Him, not human skill or ingenuity. His power works best through our weakness. His Light shines brightest through our cracks. His extraordinary plan is accomplished through regular, ordinary “jars of clay.” This is the way it’s always been, and the way it always will be.
Pastor James Stewart explains, “It is always upon human weakness and humiliation, not human strength and confidence, that God chooses to build His kingdom; and that He uses us not merely in spite of our ordinariness and helplessness and disqualifying infirmities, but precisely because of them.”
I encourage you not to exclude yourself from being used by God. Your weaknesses do not disqualify you. Instead, they are the very ingredients that make you usable in the Kingdom. As the old saying goes, “The Lord is not looking for your ability. He’s looking for your availability.”
So, make yourself available to Him, embrace your membership in The Jars of Clay Club, and just watch what He can do through you!
DIG DEEPER
Practical Implications of Membership in the Jars of Clay Club:
• It takes the pressure off. We don’t have to wait until we feel perfect to serve the Lord.
• Instead of trying to hide our weaknesses, we can freely embrace them.
• Knowing we have no power within ourselves, there’s no room for pride. Only humility.
• Our significance is not found in our talents or abilities but in the treasure we have inside.
• Instead of hesitating to serve, we can eagerly exclaim, “Yes!” to the Lord.
