A Vessel for Honor - 2 Timothy 2:20-21

The word vessel conjures up a couple of different images in my mind. The first is of a vehicle, a mode of transportation, usually on the water. This is the what the song made popular by Garth Brooks refers to. "I will sail my vessel 'til the river runs dry."

When my husband and I went on our first cruise, I learned that the level of safety I felt depended on the vessel I was in. The massive cruise ship was like a floating hotel. From the inside, if the seas were not choppy, it was easy to forget I was on a boat. Because of skillful designers, craftsmen and engineers, it not only stayed afloat, but provided a very happy place for a vacation. Another smaller boat took us to an island retreat. We were closer to the water, feeling the effects of the waves, but because the men piloting the boat knew their vessel, I was still confident. I trusted their knowledge and experience.

Because the size of a vessel is limited, care must be taken to only bring along what is most important. In the case of the cruise ship, regular "tenders" keep the right amount of supplies aboard to serve the needs of the passengers. As we see in Matthew 14: 47 and 48, when God casts a net,  He "gathers the good into vessels, but casts the bad away".

We understand the concept of traveling in a vessel. But what if we begin to see ourselves as a vessel, to be used for God's purpose? It's a humbling thought.

We are all different. God made us that way. And he had different purposes in mind for each of us. Second Timothy 2:20 says "But in a great house there are no only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour."  The original purpose and use for each of those vessels may change. Even the gold and silver ones can be neglected, go un-polished,  become buried in rubble. The simpler ones, made to hold firewood, water, or even trash, can be cleaned up and used for another purpose. There is beauty in their simplicity. Continuing in verse 21, "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto houour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."

We can't change the way God made us. Romans 10:21-23 "Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction; and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had prepared unto glory."

The plans and dreams I have had since I was a child are just that, MY plans and dreams. This year, recognizing that God made me for His purpose, I am dedicated to purging everything that gets in the way of His plan for me, and preparing myself to be used the way He intended. Slowly, carefully, watching what I eat, participating in healthy activities.

This will also apply to my writing. I will read the things that will benefit His plan, use social media in a way that glorifies Him, attend conferences and associate with people who can assist me along His way.

Listening for his leading, I intend to be the vessel He envisioned when He created me.

All scripture references are from the King James Version