Contents May Have Shifted During Flight

“…Welcome with meekness the implanted word of God that has the power to save our souls.”

James 1:21(b) (NRSV)

“But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power comes from God and does not come from us.” 

2 Corinthians 4:7 (NRSV)

The plane was filled to capacity and all of the overhead bins were stuffed to overflowing; not one iota of space was left.  Throughout the flight, there was quite a bit of turbulence; so, when the plane landed at our destination and passengers were preparing to jump up to collect their belongings, the flight attendant was even more adamant with the familiar caution of being careful when opening the overhead bins because contents may have shifted during flight.  No one wanted a load of wheelie bags and carry on packages to come crashing down on their head!

Both James 1:21(b) and 2 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that we have the treasure of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the word of God implanted within our fragile and fickle bodies.  This treasure, unlike earthly ones, is not to be hoarded but is meant to be shared with others.  When we are right with God; when we are connected with Him and guided by His Holy Spirit, the contents within the clay jars of our human bodies are safe and serene, ready to be lived out and gifted to others.  Yet, like the items in overhead bins on choppy airplane flights, the trials, tribulations and turbulence of our lives can sometimes shift and shake up this precious cargo, causing us to feel lost and disoriented.

Thankfully, just as we are deliberately careful when opening up those overhead bins, we can also be intentional about bringing the treasure inside us back to a position of calmness and stability.  By relying on the grace and power of our loving God, we can return, even after long periods of the churning flight of life, to the source of that treasure; our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Mrs. B