It’s important to remember that we are the clay, not the potter.
We are the tool, not the toolmaker.
Applying this principle, of course, tugs hard the prideful thread woven by sin into our lives to one extent or another.
Even the strongest of believers must be vigilant to resist the trap of puffed-up opinions of self.
Yes, we have all sorts of reminders through the weeks that we’re not perfect.
We might lose our status with some people because we don’t speak flawlessly about this or that.
We might lose our self-confidence for a bit because we can’t remember where we placed that important file folder or even where we put the car keys.
We might even lose our dignity when we act out of covetous anger toward a co-worker or relative who is being praised by others because of new, exciting job or a new, cutting-edge vehicle.
Even with these shots to one’s pride, so many people still cling to an inflated view of self.
“I’m SO cool, even if nobody else thinks so,” sounds foolish alright, except to the one who feels this way about himself or herself.
If you are pursuing a closer walk with the Lord, you’ll realize how dumb the above quote sounds.
Yet, we Christians must never think that we’re immune to “self” inflation.
Even the Apostle Paul realized that pride threatens everybody. That’s why he learned to appreciate the thorn in the flesh allowed by God for the purpose of tormenting him.
God didn’t desire Paul’s suffering, but He also knew that without allowing that “buffeting by Satan,” Paul might have become prideful and ineffective for the Gospel.
It’s heady stuff when your preaching leads big shot politicians, business leaders and military types to renounce paganism and proclaim Christ.
And what about all those times when Paul took the worst physical abuse possible and still didn’t cave into demands that he bow to Caesar?
Talk about Christian chest-thumpin’ stuff…..l
Paul remembered that he was once a scummy enemy of Christ and that he periodically still sinned against Christ is wretched ways (Romans 7:14-8:2).
That’s why Paul rejoiced in his sufferings — they kept him humble.
They prodded him toward the sustaining grace of God.
The sufferings reminded Paul that his hope for deliverance rested on the power and place of God, not himself.
That’s why Paul consistently gave credit to God for whatever good was done in ministry.
That’s why Paul constantly prayed for strength and wisdom to precisely pursue the work of the Gospel.
And so should we.
Saturday’s reading in the One-Year Bible contained a vivid reminder of why we Christians should never think too highly of ourselves.
“Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it, or the saw boast against him who uses it?”
“As if a rod were to wield him who lifts it up, or a club brandish him who is not wood!” (Isaiah 10:15)
You and I are the clay, not the potter.
The tools, not the toolmaker.
Rejoice when God chooses to use you as a tool for ministry at your workplace or home or church or school.
Rejoice, too, when He places you on the potter’s wheel of trials in order to shape you into a better vessel of love or into the toolmaker’s furnace to remove the dross of strength-weakening selfishness.
It’s about serving Him and serving “them.”
It’s not about us.
As always, I love you
Martin
