Becoming an Honorable Vessel of Purpose!

2 Timothy 2:20-21 (TPT) says, “20 In a palace you find many kinds of containers and tableware for many different uses. Some are beautifully inlaid with gold or silver, but some are made of wood or earthenware; some of them are used for banquets and special occasions, and some for everyday use. 21 But you, Timothy, must not see your life and ministry this way. Your life and ministry must not be disgraced, for you are to be a pure container of Christ and dedicated to the honorable purposes of your Master, prepared for every good work that he gives you to do.”

 
When we view our purpose on earth from God, we oftentimes view it from a one-dimensional angle. We are classed or labeled a certain way, and we stick to it wholeheartedly. Diverting from that path would appear “disgraceful” or simply “not running in your lane”. You may be gifted in certain areas, such as cooking, playing sports or being a handyman, but your passion, gift or career choice doesn’t define who you are. You can be a pastor or worship leader, but it doesn’t exempt you from evangelizing and being a witness in the earth. It is not stepping out of your lane in order to “love your neighbor as yourself”, but it is about being so in love with Jesus as the bride of Christ that we cannot help but talk about Him and demonstrate His love toward us!
 
In these verses, Paul uses two examples to illustrate our usefulness in ministry. One example is that of beautiful vessels made of gold and silver, and the other is vessels of wood and earthenware. The first vessels are more of decorative pieces used for special occasions, and the second vessels do not appear extravagant, but are made for everyday use. This is how most people view themselves. They either carry themselves with a spirit of excellence to be an add-on to the atmosphere surrounding them, or they are seeking to fill in the gaps that are needed to be fulfilled to complete the mission of the kingdom of God. The church has taught people either they are called by God to be on the platform as a speaking worship leading, or they are in the background working in areas that are almost invisible in ministry, such as ushering, parking cars, working in food pantries, running sound or cameras, etc. Whether you realize it or not, we are ALL ministers of the gospel! Our words and actions paint a picture of how our life ministers to those surrounding us. It is not limited to inside of the four walls of the church. The point Paul was making was that we can be both! We are to not just be a decorative piece, carrying ourselves in a spirit of excellence and complimenting the environment surrounding us. We are not be considered another piece of hardware that contains what is needed to complete the moment. The purpose of our vessel is to be molded into the image of God, reflecting His beauty and nature. We were not called to be empty, but to be filled with the presence and glory of God! 
 
So, in uncovering, discovering or recovering your purpose, know it goes beyond the image you carry or usefulness in ministry, but being filled with the presence of God so you can pour into the lives of others!