But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

2 Corinthians 4:7

I’m sure that in many of our homes we have expensive things in cheap containers. You might, for example, have rings that cost you a fortune to purchase but are now being stored in a cheap little box. Similarly, inside of each of us is a treasure of unlimited value. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:7, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.”

In biblical times, an “earthen vessel” referred to a clay pot or jar. Inside of that humble pot you could place something extremely valuable. Through this example, Paul was pointing out that what is inside of us—our soul and our eternal spirit—is far more valuable than the body that contains us. Far too often we focus on the container and forget about the value and eternal nature of who we truly are. Pain, hurt and loss can shift our focus from the external to the internal, so Paul reminds us to make the most of our difficulties and hurts so that we benefit from them rather than simply endure them.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

2 Corinthians 10:7-10

Paul tells us more clearly what this treasure inside is in the verse right before his reference to the earthen vessel. We read in 2 Corinthians 4:6, “For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” Located inside of each of us is the knowledge of God. This knowledge isn’t simply information. It is an experience of God—His presence inside of us. 

If you could have a conversation with Him, face to face, wouldn’t that be considered a treasure—something of inestimable value? Each of us has this ability. Within our earthen vessels is a treasure consisting of the love and light of God. This treasure just needs to be unwrapped to be accessed more fully. Hardships, difficulties and brokenness often help us to unwrap that treasure as we take our eyes off ourselves and turn our focus toward Jesus. To put it another way, the closer you get to Christ, the more of God you get to experience.