Today’s ‘Motivation for Mission’ comes from scripture, and it’s this: remember that God has placed his treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us . (2Cor4:7) What does Paul mean when he writes those words? What he means is this: he’s given us the gospel, the great treasure of the message of Christ, which reconciles us to God.
Where has he put it? He’s put it in jars of clay. In other words, in gnarly old vessels, people with weaknesses and flaws and sins like you and me. Why? So that when great things happen, when people are reconciled to God, the glory goes to God and not to us.
The encouragement for us is this: we often don’t feel good enough to share the gospel, but that’s because we are not. That’s the point. We often don’t feel strong enough to share the gospel. We’re not. Again, that’s the point. We don’t feel gifted enough or worthy enough, and we’re not. But God delights to use us anyway. And why? So the glory goes to him when people sense his power at work in our weakness.
So today, if you’re feeling unworthy or ungifted or not good enough to share the gospel, share it anyway. Because if someone believes it and is reconciled to God, God will be honoured more that way, than if you were the greatest living Christian since the apostles. The attention will be on his power – and not your giftedness!
The goal of our evangelism – our sharing Jesus with people – is that they would believe and be transformed, and added to the church. Observing someone’s life being changed as they come to Christ is a wonderful thing. Observing a growing church is a glorious thing too. When it happens, we want people to see that God himself has been at work – not that we have a great programme, a special spiritual secret, or are exceptional people with incredible talents.
The fact that he wants to use you is because his power will be seen that way. Isn’t it wonderful that God has stooped to put his treasure in jars of clay like you and me?
Prayer: Thank you Lord for both the strengths and weaknesses you have given me – and please glorify yourself through both. I know I am but a ‘jar of clay’. Thank you for entrusting your treasure to me. Amen.
