19 Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”

20 A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. 21 So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.

22 Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Rodney Clarke

When we put our trust in Christ, God calls us to a special purpose. He asks us to put off the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness. We are part of God’s Kingdom – or His house, to pick up the image Paul uses in verse 20. And we each have a part to play in it. Some are called to up-front, Word ministry and others are in the background plodding away day in and day out, but in the eyes of God both are of equal value. We are the family of God who are called to stand in this particular place.

The thing that will stop us from being useful and honourable vessels for God is not what ministry we do, but what our lives are like. To be vessels of honour, we are to abstain from wickedness, ridding ourselves of our past life with its sin and instead being filled with God’s Spirit. The more we do that, by God’s strength, the more we useful we become to the Master. We are to put on faith, hope, love, and righteousness.

I struggle to do this daily. But I know that God has asked me to cast aside my old ways so that I can be renewed in Him. It's not about arguing and wanting to win at all costs. I find this difficult particularly when I ignore God and become pig-headed. This passage is sobering in that regard, because it reminds me of bad choices I have made in the past. Fortunately I can cast that aside and move forward, knowing that through Jesus God has forgiven me completely and always restores me. I don't want to be a vessel of dishonour – and it’s a comfort to know that through Christ, I can be set apart and be useful in the Lord’s service.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rodney is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.