But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” — 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NKJV)
One of the greatest safeguards of spiritual strength is a humble heart. Scripture reminds us that we are “earthen vessels”—ordinary clay jars; carrying an extraordinary treasure. The power at work in us is not self-generated but it is of God’s. When this truth is firmly settled in our hearts, pride loses its grip, and God’s grace finds room to flow freely.
Humility is not weakness or self-hatred, rather, it is accurate self-awareness thus knowing who we are and, more importantly, who God is. The anointing of God thrives in this posture and pride, however subtly repels the Holy Spirit because it shifts glory from God to self. The Bible is clear: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
The contrast between King Saul and King David vividly illustrates this truth. Saul began his reign with humility and enjoyed God’s favor, but as praise and power increased, pride took root. Disobedience followed, and the anointing was lost. David, on the other hand, consistently chose humility even after being anointed king. He valued God’s presence above personal dignity, declaring that he would become “even more undignified” in worship (2 Samuel 6:22). As a result, David remained a man after God’s own heart.
In a world that celebrates self-promotion, humility calls us to a different way. It teaches us to kneel before God, to serve without seeking applause, and to remember that every gift, opportunity, and victory comes from Him. When we acknowledge that without Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5), we position ourselves to experience more of His power.
The anointing rests most heavily on those who bow the lowest. A humble heart keeps us teachable, dependent, and grateful. It preserves our walk with God and ensures that the glory always returns to Him.
As a church, may we be known not only for our gifts, but for our humility; not only for our impact, but for our reverence for God. Let us carry His treasure with care, remembering that we are vessels—chosen, empowered, and sustained by grace alone.
Wrtten by: Francis Ekow Ehun, APOSA-UCC
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