This year on a family holiday we walked around Sandringham House in Norfolk. It is the Royal family home for 6 months of the year from October to March. Every room serves a purpose and every item has been carefully chosen for its function. Some items gleam with gold and silver, goblets and plates reserved for the most honoured guests and special occasions. But then when you go into another room there is a half-finished jigsaw on the table, a scrabble board in the corner, some modern magazines on the coffee table.
Why do I say all that? It is because this is the picture Paul paints when he writes to Timothy about purpose and calling.
“In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2 Timothy 2 v 20-21)
This is not about value but about purpose. Paul asks, ‘what kind of instrument will you choose to be?’ The heart of the message is about placing the responsibility squarely on our shoulders regarding that answer. It’s about the deliberate choice to separate ourselves from anything that would compromise our usefulness to God. This might mean distancing ourselves from toxic relationships or breaking free from destructive habits. It could simply about taking more care with your physical health, your mind, emotions and your spirit.
Being “made holy” doesn’t mean we become perfect or untouchable. It means we become set apart for God’s purposes.
The phrase “useful to the Master” reminds us that our spiritual development isn’t ultimately about us. We don’t pursue holiness for our own glory or even for our own peace of mind, though both may follow. We pursue it because there is work to be done, a kingdom to advance, and a Master who wants to use us in His mission.
So …
What are you allowing to shape your thoughts and desires?
Who or what is toxic around you?
Are you growing in your health, mind, body, soul?
Are you maintaining a heart that’s open to God’s leading, even when it comes at inconvenient times?
Are you ready to step into a new chapter of good works that God has planned for your life?
Whether you feel like gold or clay today, remember that in God’s house, both have purpose, both have value, and both can be instruments of honour when surrendered to His use. It really is up to you as to what kind of vessel you will choose to be.
Missions Paul 