“Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honour and some for dishonour. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:19-21 (NKJV); Romans 9:14-24 (NKJV); John 2:24-25 (NKJV).
The Lord God knows everything and He is like the potter who has authority over the clay in his hands. From the same clay he will make a pot for honourable use and another he will make for dishonourable use; so we cannot question the election and selection God does as it explained in Romans 9, where God creates vessels of wrath to show His power known and also vessels of mercy to show the riches of His glory! Jesus knew the hearts of all the people around and He selected His disciples knowing about everyone and that Judas Iscariot would betray Him. Jesus prayed for Peter who would deny Him 3 times and made him a vessel of mercy, but Judas Iscariot a vessel of wrath!
How to be honourable vessels?
The word of God clearly states, “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:22-26 (NKJV)
Flee youthful lusts & Pursue righteousness, faith, love & peace:
We clean our vessels by fleeing from all kind of lusts and seek after righteousness, faith, love and be peaceful with fellow believers who call on Jesus’ Name in particular. We should not be disputing and showing differences between denominations, we men created, which are not from God. We should be careful. God looks at the world in 3 groups- Jews, Gentiles and Church. The church is formed from both Jews and Gentiles. We, who are in Jesus Christ is the church.
Serve with gentleness, patience & humility without quarrelling:
When you are meeting people who are not believers in Christ Jesus; we should be gentle all times and must not start a fight when they oppose your teachings. Show more patience with all humility to show Christ’s love to them; so that they may repent and come to the knowledge of Him and can escape from the cunningness of the devil, who controls people and moves like a pawn in the Chessboard in his hand to do his will.
By following all the above disciplines, you keep yourselves very clean and useful for the Master, Jesus Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit who resides in you to be holy like Him. We should be on the guard all the time even at home or when we are with our closest friends. Basically these qualities should be your lifestyle, giving God all the glory.