To feed babies, the vessels like milk bottles, bowls, and spoons are sterilized by boiling in water. The utensils should be clean, without dirt or germs to feed the baby. Paul writes: “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonourable, he will be a vessel for honourable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” (II Timothy 2:21)
Sterilized: Like the sterilized vessel, disciples ought to be cleansed and consecrated to be used by God. As gold is purified by fire, baby feeding bottles are sterilized by boiling water, a believer is prepared in the furnace of affliction. Hence, a believer should not despise the chastening and correcting of the loving Lord, that results in becoming delightful unto the Lord. (Proverbs 3:11-12) A believer should be cleansed from sins, unproductive pursuits, and false teaching. They are not squeezed into a mold by the world but shaped by the Scripture. (Romans 12:2)
Useful: Lord shapes His vessel for His use. An artist or workman needs precision tools to do effective, beautiful, and beneficial products. To build, sustain and extend His Kingdom, the Lord needs people who are fit to be used. Like Paul, believers are chosen by the Lord for a specific purpose in His kingdom. (Acts 9;15) Most people have preferred vessels like a coffee mug or a dinner plate or water bottle, they always love to use them. God also marks special vessels for his special works.
Vessels of dishonour: People who are not seeking God to do His will become vessels of dishonour. For example, Pharoah is well known as Moses is. However, Pharoah is the dishonourable vessel through whom God displayed his punishment and judgment. (Exodus 14:4) So were Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, and others.
Good work: The works that have enduring and eternal value are real good works a believer should pursue. Resisting evil, establishing righteousness, deeds of love, acts of compassion, releasing the slaves of sin, breaking the bondage of oppressions, giving hope, comforting those in despair, strengthening the weak…are some good works.
Am I a vessel of honour?