"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." Many homes have a china cabinet that holds the "good" dishes and flatware. These dishes and eating utensils have been set apart and specially cleaned and shined so that they are ready to be used at meals prepared for holidays and special occasions. In the kitchen there are drawers and cabinets with assortments of plates, cups, pots, pans, and cooking utensils that are used for the regular preparation and serving of meals. The challenge Paul presents to Timothy is that of how he will be used of God. Timothy and all of us will be used of God, but will it be as vessels for honorable use or vessels for dishonorable use? We get to make that choice! If we choose honorable use, then we must cleanse or purify ourselves by laying hold of the provision of grace and redemption that has been given to us by God and flee evil and pursue godliness (vs. 22). Choose to be a vessel of honorable use just like those good dishes in the china cabinet, specially cleaned (holy) and ready for any special occasion (every good work)!
