A Lesson in Contingency

"This priceless treasure we hold, so to speak, in a common earthenware jar—to show that the splendid power of it belongs to God and not to us." 2 Corinthians 4:7

Which is a wonderfully helpful verse because of the way it centers on those interconnected elements: priceless treasure; a common earthenware jar; splendid power; and, God. You see, it's the overwhelming pricelessness of the treasure that properly proves the commonness of the earthenware jar. It's the degree to which the power is shown and proved to be splendid that throws all glory at the feet of God, not us. 

This verse is a practical lesson in contingency. The more priceless you find Jesus to be, the more reasonable you'll be about your own self-importance. If you are struggling with pride and self-importance, spend more time with Jesus.

And, with that: The more practically powerful you find the Kingdom of Heaven to be, the more you will naturally ascribe all glory to God. If you're fighting to be the god of your own universe, it would be worth your while to compare your power to His power.

We find true freedom when we find the promises of God to be verifiably true in everyday experience. Test the contingencies.