How to Become a Vessel of Honor

The vessel should be clean within and without.

Paul admonishes Timothy to be a vessel of honor in 2 Timothy 2:15-26. In Romans 9:21, he writes that the potter chooses the purpose of the created vessel, not the vessel. In literal terms, the vessel of honor was a container to store usable food or to eat off, and a vessel of dishonor no longer served its useful purpose because it was broken or damaged. Instead of holding good things, it stored garbage. In figurative terms, the vessel of honor is a person who serves God. Paul gives definite directions on how to do this.

Instructions

1. Choose to live a clean and honorable life. Follow the example and teachings of Jesus. He counseled that all of the law could be summed up as loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself. Live the law of love and you will obey the spirit of the law.

2. Avoid putting yourself in situations that encourage you to give in to unhealthy passions. Pursue "righteous living, faithfulness, love and peace" writes Paul in 2 Timothy 2:22. Surround yourself with those who also love God and live according to his standards.

3. Abstain from pointless debates and arguments that only create dissension. Focus on the important principles of truth that may lead people to change their hearts and minds and follow God.

4. Treat others with kindness and patience, even when they are difficult. Know what you need to know to instruct others in matters of faith and be ready to do so. Your best teaching is often your quiet example, but speak the truth when you have the opportunity to win someone to God.

5. Maintain your own spiritual practice that includes prayer, reading the Bible and associating with other believers. Listen to godly teaching and preaching and consider carefully what you hear. Test everything you hear by the wisdom in the Bible. If it doesn't agree with Scripture, discard it. These practices ensure that you are full of good things God can use.

6. Examine your life and purge yourself of things that don't honor God or you. Ask the Holy Spirit to shine light in all the corners of your life to reveal what needs to be discarded. Don't mix honorable things with dishonorable and pollute the vessel.

References

• Bible Gateway: 2 Timothy 2:15-26; Amplified Version; The Lockman Foundation; 1987
• Bible Gateway: Romans 9:21; New Living Translation; Tyndale Publishing; 2007
• Unity Christ Evangelical Ministry: Vessel unto Honor
• Khandie's Korner: Vessels of Honor