In recent years, the term “Open Source” has become popular in the technology world as an operational concept, even though the idea had been around for a long time. “Open Source” technology is an alternative to proprietary ownership; proprietary ownership is when one entity controls the product and reaps all benefits. In open source situations, there is less ownership and more collaboration which means more people are able to contribute and benefit in the process. A popular example would be the Linux computer code which is available for anyone to use, modify, change, and share without obligations to the original author, and everyone benefits from the improvements of the community of users. Other non-technology communities have also used this concept such as how the Native Americans treated the land (owned by no one yet beneficial to all). There are great benefits to this modus operandi, but inherent dangers such as corruption and abuse, as well. God is our source of life, so The Open Source refers to God and the Life He offers (John 10:10) when we stay connected to Him (John 15:5). The way that the Kingdom of God grows is not in a central and controlling manufacturing facility, but in the organic spreading of His Life through our frail human bodies. The fact that we have this all surpassing treasure in jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7) offers great benefits as well as inherent dangers. May God bless our efforts to glorify Him this year!
Our memory verses for this week include that "treasure in jars of clay" reference along with two more verses about our lives as Christians; those descriptions are encouraging and discouraging at the same time!
2 Corinthians 4:7-9New International Version (NIV)
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed,but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
As evangelical Christians (evangelical is a church word that means we not only believe our faith is a good thing, but we also want to share this good thing with others and tell them of good news of Jesus), we want our church and community of believers to grow. However, being a Christian may not a person's life easier - it may actually make it harder!
We look at those descriptions and cry out with joy that we are not crushed! not in despair! not abandoned! not destroyed! Yeah! It looks like we should be celebrating, but there is more.
We are hard pressed on every side, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down. It is not an easy calling to be a Christian. We have this all surpassing power of God inside us, but that makes us a target for the Devil and his crew, and they are pointing all their artillery at those that trust in the name of Jesus.
Living for Jesus is not easy, and it may even be harder than not being a Christian, but being a Christian is better. This is a peace that we have because the life of Jesus is in us, because we have this treasure in jars of clay. We have comfort knowing that we have a God who is looking out for us when we are attack by the devil and his schemes.
May you be filled with that peace.
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