What vessel are you?

"Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the master, prepared for every good work"  

                                                     2 Timothy 2:20-21   NKJV

Paul has just been writing about vessels for honour and dishonour. The ones for honour are the gold and silver ones. The ones for dishonour were made out of wood or clay. These were containers that were used for anything. However, the gold and silver ones, were the special occasion ones because, they brought honour. Therefore, anyone who cleansed themselves from youthful lusts but pursued righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who called on the Lord out of a pure heart were the honourable ones.

Notice a few things here, firstly, we have to do the cleansing ourselves (v21). God will help us, of course but, initially it begins with ourselves. Secondly, When we flee from one thing, we need to be able to run to another (v22). When we flee from youthful lusts, we must have somewhere to run to receive help. Tony Evans puts it this way: 'If we remove our filthy rags, we must put on clean clothes.' Copyright Tony Evans. Do you get the message. When we shed off old habits, sinful deeds and practices, then we must be sure that we have an honourable alternative.

You may be a pastor, teacher, home group leader or similar, therefore, when you observe  a person's behaviour and feel that it is far from being a Christian, you need to address it. However, it must be done in a gentle manner. Remember 'A harsh word stirs up anger' Proverbs 15:1. So if you go in with all guns blazing, you may do more damage, completely driving the other person away. Consider this, approaching the person in a gentle and patient manner is more likely to get their attention. Correct people gently, not cruelly. We are here to help them escape the snare and clutches of the devil so, therefore, we need to act wisely and with respect. It is far more favourable than going in and going for the throat.

Thank about it this way, we all have areas that need to be fine-tuned. None of us are perfect. But love can change everything. Having a welcoming grace about you can draw people in and help them feel safer. Who do you know who would benefit from this approach? Would you benefit from it? Have you anyone in mind who you could help? Give it some thought.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2