GREAT TREASURE IN A MESSY JAR

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

When is your house the cleanest? Usually when company is coming over! We want our home to look its best so people feel comfortable whether is a house, an apartment, or simply our dorm room. We want others to be able to use and enjoy the space as if it were their own.

If our home is a mess and we won’t have time to clean, we can be reluctant to host a party or vacation guests. Only when everything is in place do we feel we can engage others, show hospitality, and even be comfortable as a witness for our Savior. We often want everything to be just right or we’ll be thinking about the mess or worried about what others are thinking about the mess the whole time.

Sometimes we treat relationships in life the same way. We present ourselves so people think we have life all put together and everything is in its proper place. Or we may think we can’t approach others who seem to have everything in order when we feel like such a mess.

The apostle Paul’s words are so comforting when you feel like a mess. We often face rejection and difficult times. Life doesn’t often work out exactly the way we plan. The only thing that seems certain is that our life is not at all in order. We’re so busy. We don’t have enough time. We mess up relationships. The mess seems to be nonstop! There is no way we think we’re ready or worthy to show hospitality.

Paul says, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” We are clay jars. We are fragile. We are breakable. We are vessels. Look inside and see the treasure we hold – the good news of a Savior from sin and his eternal love. That is something the world and our neighbors need. The selfless, caring love God shows us is a love we can show others no matter if our lives and homes are neatly in place or a complete mess.

Whether you have time to clean the house or not, show hospitality to everyone in every situation. You are a clay jar meant to show the real treasure of Jesus’ love and forgiveness to your spouse, your children, your friends, and your enemies. Sometimes messy jars are the vessels that best display the treasure of Jesus to those who need it. It lets them know that you don’t need to be all put together and picture perfect to be in God’s family. Remember what’s most important – the treasure, not the jar. May your hospitality show and share with others this great treasure housed in your jar of clay.