Kintsugi and the Power of Redemption

God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 1:28-31

When you think of pottery, what comes to your mind?
•    A potter’s wheel?
•    A recreational studio where you can paint your own pottery?
•    Expensive decorations that nobody can afford from homeware stores?

In the ancient world, pots were used to hold almost anything, and they were so common that broken pieces of clay pots were used like scratch paper for notes around the home. Like our cardboard boxes of today, clay pots were the most ordinary kind of container you could use.  

When you store your most precious possession in a cardboard box for safe-keeping, the box itself increases in value. In the same way, when Christ is within you, you become infinitely more valuable. No matter how accomplished you are or what you’ve achieved, the true value and meaning of your life comes from Christ dwelling within you. It’s like you’re a cardboard box for the glory of God!

There is one thing about comparing cardboard boxes to clay pots that doesn’t quite work, however. Pots break. Then what are they good for? Well, nothing, except maybe scratch paper.

King David lamented in Psalm 31:12 that he felt as useless as a broken pot, and it’s likely that we’ve all felt this same kind of brokenness. We live in a fallen world and we’ve all sinned, falling short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). But the heart of the Gospel, the Good News, is that this isn’t the end of our story. God loves to redeem our brokenness! Our sins can be blotted out-- removed like a mist-- when we turn in repentance to Him (Isaiah 44:22). Not only can you be made whole again, but the Lord can redeem your brokenness into something beautiful.

The Japanese art form Kintsugi takes broken pottery and repairs it to make it whole again. But not just whole—this technique holds the broken pieces together with precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. It takes something broken and turns it into a work of art, one far more valuable than the original pot ever was in the first place.

Kintsugi doesn’t pretend that the brokenness isn’t there, but in the hands of a master craftsman it demonstrates that brokenness can become beautiful once again.

If you feel broken or weak, wondering how God can use someone like you, remember that He loves to use broken people who think they are nothing (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Those are the people who God chooses to make a difference in our world.

There are all kinds of pots for all kinds of uses; likewise, you are perfectly made for what God has called you to do. No matter how broken you may be, God is eager to do His Kintsugi work in you. Let Him bring you to wholeness by turning to Him in repentance and faith. His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:19) and the beauty of His work in you will make a difference in the lives of those around you.

Additional reading: Isaiah 44:21-24 and 1 Corinthians 1:26-31