But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus made be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12

Are you in a situation where you are often misunderstood for your faith in Christ? Are you surrounded by people with a critical, complaining spirit? Do you get little or no credit for the work you do in your church or for your family? The proper response is a willingness to have a humble and submissive spirit – to die as Jesus did throughout His life. Jesus was willing to be misunderstood and maligned, to give up home and comforts, and to take the role of a servant. When we die with Him, God’s gift to us is "the life of Jesus." His beauty will gradually grow in us and become our beauty as well. A picture is indeed "worth a thousand words." The portrait you draw of Jesus with your humble, tranquil presence in the face of grievous wrong is worth many words. Some may see the life of Jesus revealed in you and long to enter into that life. That is how dying daily can help bring life to another.

Living daily for Christ requires dying daily to self.

Our Daily Bread – July 23, 2004