2 Timothy 2:20,21 – “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”
My wife possesses a set of exquisite china from Germany that was purchased by her mother when her parents served as missionaries there in the 1950’s. It is a beautiful Moss Rose pattern of Rosenthal that has been added to over the years by my oldest daughter who has kept an eye out for additional bowls and servers to add to the collection. For many years on the evening before Thanksgiving we would set the table in a very proper fashion for the feast the following day. Paper plates and cups? Oh no! This is a special occasion. Every day dishes for the microwave? They better not be seen. After dinner and desert fill the dishwasher? Don’t even think about it! These treasures must be hand washed and dried and carefully put away for the next special meal.
Paul differentiates between people used for common purposes and those used for special purposes in the house of the Lord in today’s New Testament One Year Bible reading. Which purpose, whether common or special, does not appear to be at the discretion of the Master. So what makes the difference? The choices of the vessel. If a person cleanses himself/herself from those things which are dishonorable, he/she will be sanctified, honorable, prepared and useful for the Master. So, position yourself for every good work by making the right decisions today. Which vessel are you?