But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 2 Cor. 4:7
Earthen vessels are simple containers chosen to carry food or drink. They serve the food or drink and are at the disposal to be used or not to be used by the Master of the home. The fact that the vessel is made of earth reminds us that we too were formed from the dust of the earth.
The use of “gift tests” is a popular tool among Christians. The results are often used to determine our spiritual callings. This is a practice based on our knowledge of good and evil and the fruit produced feeds our knowledge of good and evil. In stark contrast, the process of becoming a vessel is up to God’s purposes and timing. Our plans to serve God based on our personal giftedness are highly presumptuous and unscriptural. Let us not presume God’s purpose for our lives without direct revelation and confirmation through the Holy Spirit.
Natural giftedness can become vessel status but no effort of our own can take us there. Only once natural giftedness has lost its power to make us proud or to make us become the focus, can we trust that it has become vessel status. Even once a natural gift has gone though the sacrificial process of the cross and we have no personal pleasure in it, we cannot presume that God will use it.
One modern example of this problem is how young Christians with natural ability in the area of music are counseled. Gifts of music are especially celebrated in our present Christian culture. Musicians and those that can sing beautifully are often advised that they are called to be “worship leaders.” We must stop the use of the equation: natural gift = calling. This equation comes from the knowledge of good and evil. God’s purposes cannot be achieved when the vessel becomes the focus. Further, when we accept praise, our gifts become a snare to us. No matter how good and productive our ministry looks, if the result is focus on us, we and others experience death; death because we have taken the focus off the Tree of Life and death to those we have distracted from the Tree of Life.
Humility is profound in those whom the Lord uses as His vessels. They are easy to spot. Arrogance and boasting is foreign and frightening to them. David often wrote about his unworthiness. He recognized that his blessings were not a result of his good abilities.
For the sake of Your word, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness to let Your servant know. 2 Sam 7:21
Humility is the fruit of understanding that when we are used as vessels it is an honor not earned. Rather, it is the expression of the Lord’s great love toward those He would use us to bless with a glimpse of Christ.