2 Timothy 2:20-21

Summary retelling of 2 Timothy 2:20-21

Paul then uses an analogy.  In every house there are items that are used for special purposes and there are items that are used every day for anything.  The same is true for God.  God can use any item for His glory, but if we take the time to cleanse ourselves from impurity we can trust that God will use us in special ways.  We will become holy and useful to God for the accomplishing of His will.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Have you ever noticed that there are things that people will use just about anywhere and there are other things that have a specific use?  Around our house, dinner plates are a great example.  We have everyday plates that Cara and I use … well … everyday.  We also have “guest plates” that we pull out when we are specifically having company.  But we also have the “china” that we pull out once every few Christmas dinners.  All of the plates are capable of holding food and doing the job.  But some of the plates are reserved for a “higher” purpose.

What items does your family have that are like this way?  Are there any tools that you (or other family members) let anyone use while reserving others for only a specific use?  What about books – are there some books that anyone can read and other books that are “treasures” and thus protected?  Why do we value certain things and not others?  Is it always based on cost – or are there other reasons we place value on things?

Second Thought:

Part of Paul’s point – although he doesn’t come out and say this directly – is that there is work to be done.  Some of the work is grunt work that just anyone can do.  Some of the work is specialized that God needs a particular skill set to accomplish.  However, the bottom line is that there is work to be done and God has graciously invited us to participate in that work.

How cool is it that God has called you to participate?  What kind of work do you think that He has called you to do?

Third Thought:

While we certainly shouldn’t think of any job that accomplishes God’s will as “below” us, we should also realize that there are some tasks that not everyone can do.  Everyone can (and should!) talk about their faith, but not everyone can preach or teach in a public setting.  Everyone can pray (and should!) but not everyone can lead others in worship.  Everyone can serve (and should!) but not everyone can serve in just any means that is necessary.  The gifts that are a part of leadership are often gifts that need to grow and be developed.  As Christians, we should recognize the need for these gifts and actively seek out ways to purify ourselves and prepare ourselves just in case God calls us into that kind of activity.

How often do you think about the choices you make and how they affect your ability to lead?  How often do you think about the places where God might be inviting you do use your gifts?  Why do you think we need to prepare ourselves for God’s service?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Timothy 2:22-23