Betty B. Gray

Recently at a large convention, I was putting up my Encourage Me Ministry display. Let’s correct that statement—I was watching and supervising my daughter and son-in-law set up my booth. 

I noticed a lady nearby standing and watching. I did not recognize her, but knowing it had to be someone who was acquainted with my ministry, I greeted her warmly. Her words of surprise were, “Are you still doing this?” To which I replied that I was. 

After 60 years in ministry, she was surprised that this earthen vessel was still going. To be honest, sometimes so am I.

Made to Hold Treasure

The older one gets and as the body slowly deteriorates, the more we come to realize we are truly earthen vessels. We only hold a great treasure that will never deteriorate.

I can no longer do what I did 30, 20, or even 10 years ago, and the vessel is not what it used to be—but the internal treasure becomes more precious each day. Bill and Gloria Gaither penned these words, “The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows.” 

What is a vessel for? A vessel is made to contain something. That is its only purpose. Vessels are made to hold something and to be filled with something. I must remind myself of this daily in every activity of my life. And when I think about it, the vessel is of little value in and of ourselves. He is the treasure; I am the vessel.

Salt vs. the Shaker

When I pick up a salt shaker, it is not the shaker itself that I am needing; it is the salt. The salt shaker only holds what is of value. I need to remind myself, as I minister, that the world is not interested in my container, but what it contains.

“Lord, will you get me (the vessel) out of the way so others will see you (the Treasure)?”

Betty B. Gray is the director of Encourage Me Ministries and nationally performs living dramas of women of the Bible and great women of the faith. Betty is a widow with two daughters, five grandsons, and two great-grandchildren.