Paul couldn’t have said it more clearly when he wrote

We have this treasure in clay pots so that the surpassing greatness of its power may be God’s and not ours.
2 Corinthians 4:7

It’s interesting that after finding the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were preserved in clay pots, we came to see all the more clearly how very valuable items were stored away in such jars. Indeed, these findings are an even more vivid illustration of what Paul was saying than just the comparison of that which is exceedingly valuable with that which is common and ordinary. In a number of these pots there were actually books, and fragments of books, of the Scriptures.

Paul recognized that he, a clay pot, possessed within him the most valuable treasure with which a man could be entrusted—the Gospel of God’s Holy Word.

So also do you, Christian. But especially you, pastor. What do others see and hear when they see and listen to you preaching? Do they see and hear someone who puts himself forward, or someone who, receding into the background, succeeds in exhibiting the wonders of God’s truth? Are you—a mere pot—guilty of calling attention to yourself rather than to the treasure within?