Cracked Pots

I’m often amazed at the fact that God chooses to use imperfect human vessels in His Kingdom, and entrusts man with the greatest treasure – the Good News of the Gospel. The scripture in 2 Corinthians 4 speaks of us being fragile clay jars.

I had a conversation with the Lord about this, pointing out to Him that my clay pot has weathered quite a few storms, and even has a crack or two in places. I’m very aware of these unattractive cracks, and asked God how I’m supposed to cherish the light of His glory in my cracked vessel.

His answer surprised me. He said that the light was never meant to be comfortably tucked inside my clay pot. Therefore the cracks are needed for the light to shine through and be visible!

It reminded me of the story of the water bearer. He had two large pots which hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it and the other pot was perfect, always delivering a full portion of water. Along the way from the stream to the master’s house the cracked pot would leak half its water, causing the water bearer to deliver only one and a half pots of water every day. The perfect pot was very proud of its great accomplishments, while the cracked pot felt ashamed and flawed.

After two years of enduring the shame of its imperfection, the pot spoke to the water bearer, apologising profusely for being so ineffective and flawed. The water bearer felt a deep compassion for his clay pot. “When we walk home today, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path,” he said. And indeed, as they went up the hill to the master’s house, the cracked pot saw lovely, colourful wild flowers along the path.

The bearer said to the pot; “Did you notice there were flowers on only your side of the path and not the other side? That’s because I’ve known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we’ve walked back from the stream, you’ve watered them through your crack. For the past two years I’ve been able to pick these flowers and decorate my master’s table. Without you being the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”

We’re all fragile clay pots, carrying God’s glory and light inside us. Surrender your flaws and imperfections to the Master, and allow Him to shine through your cracks. He may be watering some wild-flower lives through you, and growing beauty from your flaws. He knows you so well, and loves you – cracks and all!