Get Cleaned Up!   

“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:20-21 ESV

When having company over for dinner the host is sure to bring out the best china and silverware in honor of their guests. There may be other fine utensils available but only the best will do for this occasion. Now picture this dinner taking place in a great house as Paul notes in our Scripture text. And picture this great house as your local church or better yet, the universal church, Christ’s church on earth. Paul says there are honorable vessels and dishonorable vessels in this great house. Every Chistian represents one of these two vessels. I ask which one are you? I ask myself the same question; which one am I?

Paul describes these vessels as vessels of gold and silver, and also of wood and clay. The honorable vessels of gold and silver would be used to serve food to the dinner guests and the dishonorable of wood and clay would be used for the cleanup and disposing of garbage. Paul’s point is to show the importance of holiness in our everyday lives. Christians are to be set apart unto good works. We are to be honorable vessels in serving the Lord, and if we are only vessels of wood and clay, although needed, we will not bring honor and glory to God.

If you are a vessel not set apart unto God still clinging to the things of the world take heart. Paul encourages us that all is not lost. If we get cleaned up from the things of the world and become an honorable vessel the Lord will use us in His service for the kingdom.