Tag: #Christ

Earthen Vessels

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

A dear friend at church recently got the cancer diagnosis that we all dread. He has a beautiful attitude and outlook. As I thought about and prayed for him, 2 Cor. 4:7-18 came to mind.

As we experience these pains, believers with hope in Christ also experience great joy and life. Paul describes the turmoil of this evil world that we still contend with today. Nevertheless, there is a light inside us because of Christ. We carry both the death of Jesus and the life of Christ. Paul calls it a “treasure in earthen vessels” (2 Cor. 4:7, NKJV, emphasis added).

I think the New Living Translation’s description is enlightening—it describes the treasure as a light shining in our hearts. Although we are fragile, like jars of clay, the treasure inside us is excellent. It clarifies that the great power is from God, not us, which is the message Paul focuses on.

He continues to explain that although we are pressed on every side by troubles, we are not crushed. We may be perplexed but not driven to despair, hunted down but never abandoned by God. We may get knocked down, but not destroyed. By suffering with Jesus – we also share the life of Jesus (2 Cor. 4:8-10).

Another Scripture that came to mind was, “And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10, ESV, emphasis added). When we have the light of Christ in our hearts, our joy meter is full, regardless of our circumstances, because our trials are temporary, and our joy is eternal. Therefore, our joy gives us strength because it is from the power of God, not ourselves.

As we struggle with losing loved ones to this broken world and its diseases, we can rest assured that God will restore them and give them new bodies that will never experience pain or suffering again (Rev. 21:4).  Paul provides more details about this – explaining that when we die and leave these earthly bodies, we have a home in heaven. God will make an eternal body for us. As a guarantee of this, when we accept Christ in our hearts, God places the Holy Spirit inside us – this is the light in our hearts that gives us the hope that we have a new body and home to look forward to (2 Cor. 5:1-10, NLT).

Jars of clay and earthen vessels symbolize human weakness and dying bodies. Still, the treasure is life everlasting in Christ or God’s revelation of Himself in Christ deposited in an earthen vessel. We can learn to trust God amid adversity – the results we get are determined by the effort we put into our relationship with God.

“Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:23, NLT, emphasis added).

Smile…God Loves You!

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Smiles, like yawns, are contagious. If you share one, you’ll likely get one in return. But the benefits of smiling go beyond this simple exchange. As Dr. Earlexia Norwood of Henry Ford Health points out, smiling has multiple benefits. Yet, we often smile less as we age, missing out on the opportunity to connect with others.

The article states that studies conclude that some benefits are reduced blood pressure, increased endurance, reduced pain and stress, and a strengthened immune system. Furthermore, when we smile, we are not just helping ourselves; since the domino effect is at play, we are also helping others.

Another article by Better by Today on NBC News Now says that smiling, even when we don’t feel like it, can trick the brain into thinking we are happy, resulting in the same benefits. It states that smiling spurs a chemical reaction that releases hormones, including dopamine and serotonin.

The Bible also says something about smiling – or a cheerful face – which comes from a glad heart, indicating a positive attitude toward life when the inner self is healthy (Proverbs 15:13, ESV). It continues, pointing out that a joyful heart is good medicine, while a crushed spirit dries up the bones (Proverbs 17:22).

Going through life with a sour attitude and face can harm us. Smiling is linked to a positive attitude derived from our relationship with God and the condition of our inner heart. It is not always easy to stay positive and keep our eyes on Christ when things are not going well. Nevertheless, staying grateful for the blessings we have will help. One day at a time is the pace of grace. Waking up with breath in our lungs is something to be grateful for.

Recently, I asked God for a new perspective, and boy, He delivered! The very next morning, a friend at church shared a story about a man in Haiti whose knee got infected after surgery because he couldn’t get back to the doctor’s office to take off the metal plate due to gangs blocking the streets. He made a connection for him through another person, who arranged for him to get to a doctor 300 miles away, traveling in a small vehicle full of 40-50 people. It took three different trucks to get him there, but as of Monday, he was having surgery. There are many more details that I am sure I am leaving out, but you get the idea. This story hit me hard and reminded me that people are dealing with much worse things than my feeble problems.

Can you relate? Do the blessings we have every day that most take for granted make you smile? That and the fact that God loves us, no matter what should make us keep a smile on our faces. Thanking God for everything makes a big difference in our attitude and perspective. Can you list all the things that make you smile?

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (I Thes. 5:16-18, Emphasis added).