Fit for Service

2 Timothy 2.20, "Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor."
It's one of those verses I never really understood, and didn't really care to look at to find the meaning. But yesterday my study of 2 Timothy took me there.

The Church is a large house, consisting of a lot of people. And in the church there are people who are the real deal. Christians who truly can claim that title. Those who do everything out of a love for God, and desire nothing but to become more like Christ. Everything they do is done out of love for God and so that they can become more like Christ. These are the gold and silver vessels. They are fit to be used for the service of God, the greatest honor there is.

These people are the fine dishes that you use for the holidays and family gatherings. The best plates that you take care of, because they were handed down to you from your grandmother. These are the plates that you use for the special occasions, and make sure they don't chip or break, because they have history and meaning.

But then there are other dishes. The ones you use everyday that you bought at goodwill or a garage sale. These dishes if they break you notice, but it doesn't hurt you that it's gone. Not all people in the church are genuine. Some people don't live up to the name they claim.

I read somewhere that people don't live up to it because they don't really believe it. If we truly believe something we have to live by it, we can't just proclaim it. What we truly believe transforms us.But in the church there is a mixture of people, and some of them are simply proclaimers.

2 Timothy 2.21, "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work." This should be the goal for all member of the Church. To be cleansed from impurities to be used by God for service.

Barclay said this, "No Christian should ever think of being fit for honour but always being fit for service." The Church is to serve, the members of the Body of Christ are to serve.

May we become vessels of honor. Let our motivation be an unquenchable love for God and for others. Let us always be fit for service so that we can be used by the Master.

Peace be with you