God's Roses

Your Value in Christ - I have to be reminded that my sense of importance lies in the miracle of God's choosing me.

By Jill Briscoe

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:27

Here we have a description of God’s VIPS. The Bible does not say there will be no wise, mighty, or noble men at all among God’s special servants. There will, in fact, be a few (see verse 26), but the majority of God’s chosen ones will be like you and me – nobodies! Paul explains the Lord’s strange choices by showing us that God’s glory will be enhanced against such a dim landscape!

I have two containers for flowers. One is an old clay pot, the other is a beautiful cut-glass vase. Occasionally I receive a lovely bouquet of roses. If I put them in the vase, the glory is shared. If I put them in the pot, attention is drawn to the blossoms. “What beautiful flowers!” exclaim my visitors, ignoring the container.

God chooses such earthen vessels that His glory may be better displayed. In fact, He has told us He will not share His glory with another. He insists on receiving the honor due His name.

Sometimes I want to be the cut-glass vase and draw attention to myself. I have to be reminded that my sense of importance lies in the miracle of God’s choosing me. In other words, He has chosen “to reveal His Son in me” (Gal. 1:16). He placed His roses in my vase. In this lies my value. What use is a vase without flowers?

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Lord, You have chosen me to reflect Your beauty and Your glory. When I compare myself to others and feel inadequate or incapable of the task before me, remind me that I am only a clay pot. You are the beautiful flowers in my life that give me value. Your strength and wisdom are there to help me accomplish any task You give me. Thank You for these encouraging words. Amen