Prepare Yourself for Honourable Service. 2 Timothy 2:20-21.
Now in a great house, there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honourable use, some for dishonourable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonourable, he will be a vessel for honourable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
Dear Ambassadors of the Risen King,
The importance of staying away from iniquity cannot be overemphasized. It is the walk of holiness that makes one available to God for service.
Diversity (v. 20). The illustration used here is of a large household. There obviously would have to be a lot of vessels (what we call dishes, pots and pans today). There are two factors that give a vessel value: Derivation. Some vessels are made of gold, others of clay. Some materials are definitely of greater value than others. We are not all endowed equally – some are stronger, cleverer, more beautiful, taller, more skilled and so on. We are created in diversity. Designation. Every vessel is made for either honourable or dishonourable use. A brass toilet is still a toilet, and a clay cooking pot is still a pot. Honour does not come from the material but from purpose.
Dedication (v. 21). For a person to be used to God, he or she must cleanse him/herself from all that is not pleasing to God and devote him/herself to the service of God. When Jesus was seeking disciples, he did not go to the rabbis and other learned people. He went to fishermen who were willing to leave their boats and nets to follow him. The greatest asset in the service of God, as has been said by others, is not ability but availability. We can add that endowment without commitment cannot be effective in the service of God.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.