Prepare For The Lord's Use

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. (2Timothy 2:19-21 NIV)

 

In most families there are dishes and flatware which are used everyday at mealtimes. Then there is the "good china" and silverware brought out only on special occasions to bring honor upon the lady of the house. Common, everyday vessels and special purpose vessels.

I don't like to be thought of as common or ordinary. Most of us don't. We live in the real world of commonalities where the ordinary can be used in special purpose activities. Christians do not wallow in self-pity or despair over our common frailties. We gratefully accept God's grace and daily commit to being used by him in one of his special projects.

We have this unique view of life because God's foundation is solidly secure. And his foundational structure has dual seals. The first seal: God knows those who are his children. He knows who trusts him. He knows who is committed to him. God knows . . . he can't be deceived.

And the second seal: everyone who claims the name of Christian will "depart from iniquity." This foundational seal isn't a demand for perfection. Rather, it is an understanding that no self-respecting, Christ-honoring believer will continue to willfully practice a lifestyle of sin. Serving Christ is a departure from serving satan. Remember, we do not fight against flesh and blood but against the lord of darkness.

And so it is with every one "who names the name of Christ." God knows his children and they depart from sin's control.

As I consider this concept of "special purpose vessels" versus "common use vessels" in God's great house, I realize Paul's illustration is not about identifying differences among God's children. Rather, Paul's point to me, both as a pastor and as a Christian, is to choose whether I want to be a special purpose vessel or one of common use.

If this resonates with you, and you get the Apostle's point, then yield to the Holy Spirit's cleansing. Be consecrated to honoring God. Be a vessel that he can use. Be "prepared to do every good work" that you are assigned.

Dear Father, thank you for allowing me to be a vessel in your house. Enable me to humble myself under your mighty hand and be transformed into the vessel you can use anywhere, any time for every good work. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Are you prepared for God's special purpose? Prepare today . . .