What is a vessel? I think we all know, but for the sake of argument, I will tell you what the web says that it is or can be. “noun” barge, bark, bateau, boat, bottom, bucket, can, craft, liner, ocean liner, steamer, tanker, tub…a hollow container used to hold something.

We are told in 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.” And we are told in the very next verse what we should cleanse ourselves from.

2 Timothy 2:22-26 “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”

We are his vessels, he formed us and made us. The word tells us that He is the potter and we are the clay. Jeremiah 18:6 and also Isaiah 29:16.

I want to be a vessel of honor for my Lord. I want to pour into my life His word and His way. I need to be vigilant to not put before my eyes anything that will cause my mind to wonder and lead me down a path of lust or anger. Sin always starts in the mind and then moves to the heart and then we usually act on it. I need to be conscious of what I put into my body. Am I dishonoring it with drugs, alcohol? Is my speech pleasing God? Am I careful with the words I use and how I use them? Do I constantly have to say ” I’m sorry” because my words offended someone?

We who call ourselves “Christian,” who claim the name of Christ should have so much of his word poured in us that it overflows to all those we come in contact with. People should leave your presence knowing that there is something different about you. Your countenance should be a light to the world of the hope and peace you carry inside.

So, what do you put into your vessel and most importantly what do you pour out of your vessel?
If people walk away from us wishing they had never met us or spent time with us, something is wrong. I have said it a lot, be a light in a lost and dying world. Let the love of Christ and the joy of Christ rest on your face and in your actions. Be set apart, not to the point of not being fun, or spending time with others whether saved or not, but have a good time, just do not embarrass the one you love, your Lord. Be conscious of the things you are looking at, taking into your body and the things coming out of your mouth!

Be that vessel of honor that He tells us we are. When we became his and our old nature was put to death, we were declared clean, holy and righteous because He is all of those things. Now act like it! 1 Peter 1:16 ” Be holy, because I am holy.”