The foundation of God stands secure, having this seal, the Lord knows them that are his. And, let everyone that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and good for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
2 Timothy 2:19-21 (KJV)
Although false teachers and their false teaching plagued the first-century church and still has footholds today, it cannot prevail against God’s church because the church is built on a firm foundation. Heresies, false teachers, even persecution, cannot destroy the truth taught in God’s churches. It stands and will stand until Christ returns.
Apparently the sin of rebellion against authority was prevalent, and still is. Paul commands those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to “depart” from the spirit of iniquity or lawlessness. Such a spirit is of the devil. He was the first to think that he could be in charge and take the place of God. He said “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Paul said that we are to depart from such a spirit.
Then he spoke of a “great house with many vessels;” vessels of honor and dishonor. There were vessels of gold and silver and vessels wood and clay. When he spoke of vessels of dishonor he did not say that they were useless. The vessels of gold and silver were used for special guests and were brought out for show. The vessels made of wood and clay were used all the time. They held the items for cooking and storage. Their purpose was more important than the showy vessels.
If you feel like you have no purpose in the body of Christ and that you are overworked perhaps God has called you to be just that–overworked. Your purpose in Christ is not for show but the necessary part of the body that is not seen. Like the prayer warrior who is always supporting the work of Christ; or the person who keeps the church building clean; or the one who fills the communion cups, etc. Perhaps God has called you some special ministry and you will never be seen. If you have, so what; you are where God has placed you and it doesn’t get better than that. Remember, Paul wrote, “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” Amen and amen.
