This Week’s Scripture & Reflection: II Timothy 2:19-22
“Use me, Lord!” “Use me for your service!” “Use me for your glory!” How often do we recite prayers such as these before the Lord without any genuine conviction or cognizance of what we are truly asking? Please do not be misconstrued: Being chosen and used by God to fulfill His purposes in the Earth can be both exhilarating and rewarding! However, we often place more emphasis on God using us as opposed to ensuring that we ourselves are vessels fit for use for the King!
In II Timothy 2, the apostle Paul gives us an analogy of this significant lesson as he describes two types of vessels used in a large, wealthy house. The gold and silver vessels are used for special, honorable service; in contrast, the wooden and earthenware vessels are used for dishonorable, or common and menial, use. Between the two options, we would certainly love and prefer to be the golden and silver vessels used for special service as opposed to the wooded and earthenware vessels used for everyday, menial use. However, an ongoing act is required on our end to obtain the status of choice vessel: cleansing! The apostle Paul declares, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable-disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work" (cf. II Timothy 2:21).
Consecration is an active, ongoing work; consequently, passivity will not suffice! We must be diligent to guard our intake, including physically, visually, and even spiritually, and consistently fill our hearts and minds with those things that are true, honest, pure, lovely, and of good report (cf. Philippians 4:8). We must be diligent to confess and repent of our wrongdoing (cf. I John 1:9). We must be diligent to “run away,” or flee, “from youthful lusts” and “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace”, just as the apostle Paul instructs us (cf. II Timothy 2:22). Vessels of honor must live honorably, both privately and publicly. The Holy Spirit, our Advocate, aids us in this work by His power, but He can only work through a submitted and obedient vessel!