CELEBRATING WITH THE IDEALS 2

 THE DISTINGUISHED VESSEL OF USEFULNESS

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. 2Ti 2:21

“O lord, I was born to serve thee, to be thine and to be thy instrument. I ask not to see; I ask not to know; I ask simply to be used”.

I believe there is reasonably enough work at “home” and “abroad” for every healthy person and Christian in particular. The world is replete with opportunities to be useful as there is really need for so much good!

In my previous writing on celebrating with the ideals, the gist was and still is how we can celebrate whatever occasion such that it is not in a cunning manner mere indulgence. Essentially, it is through reflecting on our lives, meditation on God’s Word and using a variety of opportunities to be useful. The latter is my answer and focus for this writing. You do not need to be a genius to gather this from the Bible, our manual – I sincerely hope I’m not being dogmatic – nor do I mean we should be unresponsive to the ecstasy and aura which these occasions may afford us.

I had once sensed myself slowly sliding into inertia especially after we shifted houses twice and when I stopped leading a home group.  My traveling contributed such that I refused being an absentee leader when I was proposed and almost voted to be chairperson for Hope ministry. This ministry I perceived was and I think is slowly dying.  Very few members are useful or committed. I feel there is something else or more we as Hope can do to reach the unsaved with the Gospel. That, we do not seem to see; Lord help! 

The fact of the matter is that it is easy to be entirely or partially unconcerned or slothful in many things and ways and to later come and feel bad or regret that we never did anything when we (perhaps) could have. But that does not help and it is as destructive as a lie! We have no excuse. Could it be that people have become accustomed to wicked vices, poor and deplorable conditions and have forgotten this distinguishing and time-tested tool for earthly good? Be not reduced to busybodies (2Thessalonians3:11) or busy yourself with iniquity (Isaiah 32:6). See David’s prayer (Psalm 141:4 ESV).

Well, the Bible has numerous examples of ordinary men, women and young people who were, not withstanding, vessels for honourable use in every way. Some of them even became bi-vocational missionaries, a clear call that’s still there in our day! Our aim should be to so conduct ourselves with wisdom and honour that even in our celebrations the world is evangelized to God’s glory. I single out Apollos because he was said to have been A GREAT HELP to those who by grace had believed (Acts 18:27b) and in view of what he accomplished in 1 Corinthians 3:5-8.

Seemingly an implied imperative, one cannot miss value and beauty of usefulness as it distinguishes and reveals God’s people and His saving grace upon them. We honour Jesus and our Father as we bear fruit, and he makes (by pruning) us to be even more fruitful. I believe I am not forcing the camel through a needle’s eye by boldly stating that assurance of salvation is enjoyed also through this fruit – usefulness. Finally, it is or will be rewarded. Be encouraged, be faithful!