We must be prepared, committed, diligent, sanctified, self-denying, self-effacing, focused and consistent. It is not God’s will that any vessel – worker or minister – will be of dishonour. The actions of Aaron, Korah, Dathan, Abiram and Achan that made them vessels unto dishonouris the Bible. If we will serve God who is holy, righteous, just and impartial, we must manifest the same traits and “depart from iniquity.” Although we have the liberty to choose between right and wrong, good and evil since we are free moral agents, opting for sin is choosing wrongly because it makes us vessels of dishonour.
There is need for self-purging if our work for the Lord will be gracious, approved and profitable. Those who purge themselves based on the knowledge of the standard of God’s word are the people who will always be ready “for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” More so, the profitable vessel must “flee also youthful lusts” that ruin life, spoil the ministry and make the individual unqualified for service.
The right action to take is to “follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Besides, “foolish and unlearned” questions that do not align with our calling should be avoided because they do not produce righteousness, but “gender strives.” The Christian is forbidden from the life of strife; rather, he or she is called to be meek, gentle, compassionate and loving in attitude. We must as all times, of the race the Lord has called us to run, be holy.
A race is set before us, which we must run with holiness. God has not left us in darkness concerning the holiness He requires of us. He has given us the definition, explanation, description and directions as to how we are to have it. Before anyone can reach sinners with the grace of God, they must first come out of sin. Coming out implies that we “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” This indicates that the call to run the race with holiness is not something unattainable.
Many people in the Bible and contemporary times have done the same thing. They are described as “great cloud of witnesses” that had the life of purity and righteousness, indicating its possibility. However, those who appoint themselves into the workforce without obeying or submitting to this directive will not receive the grace to carry out the work of the Lord.
The challenge to be washed in the blood of the Lamb and be holy is “for our profit.” It helps us to follow peace with everyone, including those who are not friendly to us. By so doing, we will be able to run the race before us consciously, with our focus on the finishing line to obtain the crown. We must however, strive for the prize with mastery and not mediocrity.
• Further reading (King James Version): 2 Timothy 2:19-26. 2 Corinthians 6:16,17; 7:1; Hebrews 12:1,2,10,14; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Colossians 1:21-23,28,29; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 2 Peter 3:11-14.
