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Treasure in Clay: Why Staying Faithful Still Matters
“Why should I live for God when people who aren’t living for God seem to be prospering?”
If you’ve ever whispered that question on the commute home or after scrolling social‑feeds packed with highlight reels, you’re in good company. In episode 221 of March or Die, host Jeremy Stalnecker slides the car to the shoulder and has an honest, Scripture‑soaked conversation about perseverance when faith feels like a losing game. Below is an unpacking of that episode ideal for readers who wrestle with the same tension.
1. The Ache Behind the Question
We live “in a world that largely rejects … the belief that there is a God who has authority over their lives.”
When coworkers who cut corners get promoted, or influencers who flaunt compromise rack up followers, the math doesn’t add up. Jeremy names the discouragement: decades‑long Christians “throw in the towel” after watching the wicked win. The danger? Measuring God’s goodness by other people’s scoreboards.
2. Remember the Why: God’s Glory, Not Our Payoff
Jeremy reminds us that the Christian’s first why is simple: “He’s God and He deserves the glory.”
Eternal accounting is better than temporary success. “What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul?” (Mark 8:36). Earthly outcomes may look unfair, but heaven’s books are perfectly balanced.
3. Treasure in Earthen Vessels
Reading 2 Corinthians, Chapter 4, Jeremy highlights the core image:
“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
Clay pots crack; that’s the point. God intentionally places priceless gospel‑treasure inside fragile lives so He gets 100% of the credit whenever light leaks out. Your weaknesses are not disqualifiers they are the stage where His strength shines.
4. Your Quiet Consistency Preaches Louder Than You Think
A testimony “is not built in a day; it is developed over a lifetime.”
Parents can’t force grown kids to obey, spouses can’t coerce partners into holiness, but our long‑haul faithfulness still speaks. Whether anyone else changes or not, we remain responsible for pursuing Christ with integrity. Obedience is never wasted; someone is always watching often the people we love most.
5. Practical Ways to Keep Marching
| Challenge | Practice | Scripture Anchor |
| Envy of the prospering wicked | Pray the Proverbs 23:17–18 prayer: “Let not your heart envy sinners… surely there is a future.” | Proverbs 23:17‑18 |
| Fatigue in daily disciplines | Micro‑habits: 10‑minute Scripture read, 3‑sentence prayer, weekly Sabbath tech‑fast. | Galatians 6:9 |
| Isolation | Find an Outpost (local Mighty Oaks or church men’s group). Community cuts hypocrisy and fuels perseverance. | Hebrews 10:24‑25 |
| Foggy purpose | Write your “why” on a card: “I live for God’s glory and others’ good.” Read it at the start of each day. | 1 Corinthians 10:31 |
6. Marching Orders
- Audit your metrics. Where have you started using promotions, likes, or bank‑balances as spiritual altimeters?
- Celebrate fragility. List three personal weaknesses. Ask God to display His power right there this week.
- Share the light. Forward this post or the full episode to one friend who’s discouraged in their faith run.
Listen & Engage
Watch the Full on YouTube
“Don’t get so caught up in what others are or are not doing that you start to decide whether living for God is worth it… It’s worth it because He’s God.”
Keep marching. The clay may be chipped, but the treasure is eternal—and the world still needs its light.
