2 TIMOTHY 2:19-22 CONSECRATED BY USE

19 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.”

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Those who would be vessels of God’s Word must demonstrate integrity of behavior, dedication and motivation. The turning away from wickedness, the cleansing for noble purpose and the pursuing of a pure heart are all actions the believer needs to constantly take if he is to faithfully pass the Word on to others.

The obedient life and a pure heart are the glaze or polish that must be constantly preserved on the vessel, while the spiritual alchemy of God is necessary to transform us from soft and porous matter into refined and enduring metal. A thoroughly clean and impervious surface is necessary if one intends to prevent contamination of the vessel’s contents. In the case of wooden and poorly glazed pottery, the surface of the container absorbs material and provides an opportunity for natural chemicals or whatever was last in the vessel to leach out of the container, or worse yet, allow the growth of bacteria, which can then mix with the new contents and contaminate them. In contrast, a silver or gold goblet is easily kept clean because its surface is smooth and hard, presenting no harbor for foreign material or germs.

God’s Word is precious and we are given stewardship of its revelatory and life-giving message. If we are to be faithful and suitable vessels for such valuable contents, then we must be diligent in the work of cleansing (repentance), being pure (Spirit-led) and allowing ourselves to be refined (transformation).

When dealing with God’s Word the effects are “two-way.” First, a suitable vessel preserves the purity of the Word. But second, the precious Word of God consecrates the vessel giving it an eternally noble purpose.

Father, make me a suitable and holy vessel of your Word. Guide me in the ways of truth and refine me into a person who will preserve the truth and pass it on without contamination. Cleanse me of all unholy desires and motivations so that I might be faithful only to you. Amen.