From vases differents, but a alone Treasure

"The God who said that from the bosom of darkness shines light, it is he who shone in our hearts to make shine the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of might be of God, and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4: 6, 7

The Apostle Paul had received an exceptional ministry from God : to present Christ and, through Christ, to make known the glory of God.

However, he exercised this ministry in a very unattractive manner : his body bore the scars of the blows suffered in the service of the Master (2 Cor 11: 23-25), he lacked eloquence, it was said of him Cor 10: 10), and an infirmity handicapped him (2 Cor 12: 7). Yes, Paul could compare well to a simple terracotta pot without appearance or value in the eyes of men.

In every Christian there is a wonderful treasure received as a pure gift of God's grace : this treasure is Christ Himself. What is important is that this treasure be seen in each of them, and that all glory should return to God and not to man.

So let us not classify our brothers by considering "their vase", their external appearance : this is a beautiful vase, very instructed in the Bible, that speaks in a captivating way, this other has the prestige of a high function Social, this other still descends from an old Christian family. And at the same time, let us not despise earthen vessels without external beauty: the sans-grade, the sans-culture, the sans-esprit spiritual, etc.

Let us not be seduced by the appearance, but appreciate Christ in the life and words of our brothers and sisters. Let us apply ourselves to the grace of God of which each brother is the object. Is not he the brother "for whom Christ died" (1 Cor 8:11) ? Let us discern the wonderful treasure that God has placed in him.

If those to whom the Lord has entrusted a gift keep the consciousness that everything is total grace, they will remain humble and will be kept from believing themselves to be nobler vessels than others.

Then will develop for each other, love, mercy, patience, which will allow to live the harmony, the unity of the Spirit ... in humility. A terracotta vase can crack and break at any time, especially if it is utility !

Source (Please the Lord)