Like Fragile Clay Jars

“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:6-9 (NLT)

As at the dawn of creation where God first brought light to the darkness (Genesis 1:3), so also He brings His divine radiance and strength to our fragile hearts through the life and teachings of Christ Jesus.  Such a wondrous imbuing not only serves to grant us comfort and peace in times of trial, but makes any efforts to share His gifts more clearly of heavenly inspiration.

Condemning Ourselves…

“You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things?” – Romans 2:1-3 (NLT)

Just as Jesus warned us against the hypocrisy inherent in casting judgment on others (Matthew 7:3-5), the Apostle Paul reminds us in his Epistle to the Romans that when we look to the sin of those around us, we are in fact condemning ourselves in the process.  We all sin, and we all need the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior to cleanse that corruption from us.

Intentionally In His Presence

“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” – Mark 1:35 (NLT)

Just as Jesus awoke early to commune with His Heavenly Father, so should we all make time each day to spend specifically with Him.  Every moment spent intentionally in God’s presence strengthens our relationship to Him, and draws us that much closer to His desire for our lives.

The Poison Within Us

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:21-24 (ESV)

Anger poisons our spirits.

Comparing a heart filled with anger to the act of murder, in this teaching Jesus makes a decisive and powerful statement about how seriously God looks at wrathful intent.  For us to truly commune with our Heavenly Father as He desires of us, we need to lay our resentment, hate and anger at the foot of the Cross and petition God’s attention with a joyful and open heart.

Throwing Stones in Glass Houses

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37 (NLT)

Over and over again in Scripture, we’re warned against casting judgment or assessing blame on others.  As Jesus reminds us in this verse, none of us are without flaws and should exercise the same grace and forgiveness for others that we would desire they bestow on us.