In context the problem is that the Corinthians are getting pulled off track by 'super-apostles' who have called into question Paul's credentials and consequently his Gospel. The super-apostles are impressive, with eloquent letters of recommendation and so forth. But Paul says that his letter of recommendation is the fruit of the gospel-transformed hearts of the Corinthians themselves.
The super-apostles are more like shiny chandeliers than jars of clay. They are all gleam and glam with no gospel or glory. Paul warns the Corinthians not to throw away all they've gained. Later he begs them not to ally themselves to these super-apostle's way of life, but to open their hearts to a life of faith in the unseen, which is where the true glory of the gospel is tucked away for later (resurrection).
I am so trained to look for worldly attraction, to seek it for myself, to join myself to it. To see celebrity as a qualifier for the gospel. God save us from light that is no-light and impressive gospels that are no gospels at all! Jesus said that the Kingdom was like a treasure hidden in a field. The light of the face of Christ is both veiled and unveiled. Veiled because the world looks for the wrong 'credentials'. Unveiled because God has shed his love abroad in our hearts - even through our suffering and weakness which is a foolishness the world can't stomach - but a great beauty and comfort to those who will drink it in like shed wine and take it in like broken bread.
A mesmerizing dangle and dodge,
The cut glass throws bright promises
around the room in a fine frenzy
of flashing scenes. The whitest smiles
tell the whitest lies.
But what good comes of Nazareth?
That muddied field hides no spoil!
Still a heart of gold beat beneath that soil
and each heart that looks there unveils
light enough to hallow hells.
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