An Honorable Vessel

“But now, O Lord, you are our Father;
    we are the clay, and you are our potter;
    we are all the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8

“Will what is molded say to its molder, ‘Why have you made me like this?’ Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?” Romans 9:20b-21

“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.” 2 Timothy 2:20-25

Illustrating with a common vessel, the Scriptures describe the makeup of and stewardship entrusted to the children of God. Created from dust, vessels fashioned individually by the Master Potter, God’s own have great potential for honorable service. While the Lord sovereignly designs, His people have the freedom to reject all that is dishonorable and make the most of the shape and utility of their lives. (Genesis 2:7; 3:19; Jeremiah 18:6)

Though we might think ourselves more than important, we Christians are merely jars of clay, malleable in the Potter’s hands. What makes us distinct from others humans is the treasure of Christ, the Holy Spirit, dwelling within. Each of us is fashioned uniquely, and it is by our faith and living we determine what grit we allow and how we will honor the Maker. There are certain practices and passions to put away and others to put on if we are to glorify God. To be set apart as holy necessitates eliminating what is unholy. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 4:7; Ephesians 1:14)

When have we last taken an inventory of thought? A mind consumed with resentment or bent on revenge cannot be given to mercy, and one intrigued with prurient ideas or jealousy will not be filled with love and purity. How about deeds? We will be ineffective teachers, peacemakers, examples, and edifiers if we constantly spill out complaint, controversy, gossip, or quarreling. It’s vital to test both drive and delivery to know what detritus holds us back.

Are there habits or relationships that pressure resolve to the point of cracking? With what do we fill our hours that drowns out the Holy Spirit’s influence or power? Once we acknowledge attitudes and actions that dishonor our Maker, we can surrender to His reshaping. Having fled the dishonorable, depending on the Lord with cleansed, expectant heart, we’re strengthened to pursue righteousness, and motivated to serve the Master with every good work. How will we use our lives to honor Him? (1 Corinthians 3:13)

Lord God, make me an honorable vessel that is filled with Your Spirit, eager to serve, and brings You praise and joy.