Let’s suppose I am wanting to give a special gift to you. I am allowing you to choose between an expensive, delicate china teapot, or the choice of a cheap, ugly, clay pot filled with dirt. Which one of these gifts would you choose? You would almost undoubtedly choose the exquisite teapot rather than the unattractive clay pot. However, would it make a difference if I would tell you that the clay pot contained nuggets of genuine gold hidden in the dirt and the teapot contained the bitter and repulsive taste of stinky, sour milk? Would this change your mind about what you’d choose? Would you overlook the containers and base your selection on the value of what is inside? The content makes all the difference, doesn’t it? There is an important spiritual lesson for us to learn regarding the teapot and the clay pot…

I love the verse in 2 Corinthians 4:7 where it says, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” I believe that the “earthen vessel” in this verse is referring to our physical body as well as our old sinful nature. We could also compare ourselves to a clay pot. Since our old nature is defective and sin-filled, it has doomed us to a physical death. God knows that this is far from perfect, which is why He gave us another chance. He has granted us a chance to experience eternal life! This eternal life (our New Creation) is the great treasure that we posses in these worn out, defective, and sin-filled earthen vessels. I also believe this “treasure” includes so much more…

Don’t you wonder why Paul compared us to an earthen vessel rather than a fine piece of china? Aren’t we of great value to God? Yes, we certainly are, but it has nothing to do with ourselves. Our own righteousness is as “filthy rags.” The only real value we have is when we are filled with Jesus and the treasures we find in Him.  God isn’t looking for us to be a valuable “teapot.” His
desire is for us to be a mere “clay pot.” A “clay pot” is shaped by the Potter Himself and is created to endure the daily abuse of fierce disappointments, bitter tears, and the heat of a fiery trial. It may not be nearly as attractive as a beautiful “teapot,” however, an “earthen vessel” (or clay pot) is much more valuable to God. Rather than drawing attention to itself, its very worth is determined by what it is filled with. Countless treasures are hidden in the midst of the “dirt” and “grime” that God allows into our lives. However, our proud and sinful nature is naturally drawn to a life of ease and, in our society, we are taught to take care of the BIG “I.” “I deserve to be happy….If I don’t take care of myself, who will?” This mindset has been a huge downfall in the world, as well as in the church.

I have looked at my life to many times from a china “teapot” perspective. I have thought that I should be handled delicately and have forgotten that I was never created to be a “teapot,” but rather a “clay pot” with God determining my worth. The solution to this problem is rather simple but extremely difficult for our flesh to do. We need to remember that our “earthen vessels” are functional — they exist only to serve one purpose. This purpose is to merely hold what the Creator has designed for us to hold. Just like the clay pot, our individual value is not the treasure. The treasures that we posses determine our value. 

In the same way that the clay pot contains “gold nuggets” mixed in the dirt, when I have dug deeply, I have been able to find rich treasures buried within the “dirt” of my life. Some of these treasures have been true joy, abundant grace, indescribable peace, and sincere compassion for others experiencing pain or loss. Knowing about these treasures, if I would have a choice of which container I would choose for my life, I would have chosen my ugly “clay pot” because this is what my Potter has lovingly designed for me. While I still wince to say this, in my spirit I know that this is the best path for me.

Last week, I went to see the newly placed tombstone of our beloved and greatly missed son, Austin. Although Austin went to be with Jesus two and a half years ago, we had never felt ready to face the reality of getting the marker for his grave. It felt as if it was the last thing that we would ever be able to do for our dear son. I have never found much comfort or healing in visiting Austin’s grave, however, on this particular afternoon, I felt the need to stop there. As I knelt and looked at his picture on the tombstone, the pent up tears and emotions flowed from deep within. After some time of crying and praying, I felt refreshed in my spirit and renewed to continue my journey that daily leads me a bit closer to eternity. Although I greatly long to be with Jesus and Austin in heaven, I realize that God still has a specific purpose for my life here on earth. I was renewed to continue to trust my Father with the events that He allows to come my way, even though they aren’t always what I would choose. I am so grateful for the countless “nuggets of gold” our family has found in the trials, pain, and loss that we have experienced over the years.

Have you been dissatisfied with the “earthen vessel” that you have been given? Instead of complaining and whining about your “lot in life,” maybe it is time to start digging for the “gold” that has lovingly been placed by the Potter within the “dirt” and “grime” of your life. Is it time for you to open your hands in surrender and commit your “vessel” to the Potter who knows what is best for you? At the end of your life, you may find yourself nauseated by the sour taste that your “teapot” is filled with, or you may find great joy in the nuggets of “gold” that you have found along the way. Are you still struggling and attempting to be a fine, “teapot” or have you found contentment in being a battered “clay pot” with a specific calling and eternal purpose, uniquely designed by the loving hands of your Potter?

~Cindy (For the Mullett Family)