My God and My Country

Word of God

Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God

Matthew 4:4

Cleanse Thyself for Honorable Service to God

20 Notwithstanding in a great house are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some for honor, and some unto dishonor. 21 If any man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Lord, and prepared unto every good work.

Brethren;

Herein the Apostle Paul speaks to us on conditioning ourselves to be vessels of honor. In the O.T. we find how the prophet Ezra, spoke upon using vessels of silver and gold that were being freely offered unto the Lord, and how the priests were likewise consecrated. He was imputing to them, (the priests), that their service was of the highest value, that it was to be pure as the most rarest of metals, and freely given. Not a grudging service as would be asked of by man, but through the love of God. Also we find in Nehemiah, the using of the vessels to carry the finest oils, wine and other goods that were to be used by the temple, and that the services of all associated with the sanctuary were to be given freely and to not forsake their duties In both cases those that were performing the services and duties of the priesthood were to be of honorable character, and of the highest standards as asked for by God.

So therefore we should liken ourselves to vessels of honor. This is to say that we are to cleanse ourselves, by walking daily in the righteousness of Christ. Think naught of this world and all it's trappings and snares, but keeping our eyes on the end of the race. As stated by the Apostle Paul, we are temples of the living God, as such we should, as did Christ, cast out all things of carnality that is in our Father’s house.

It should be noted here that there should be no confusion nor is there no comparison herein between these verses and the Apostle Peter’s mention of a lesser vessel. Both are vessels of honor, both have separate duties unto God and unto each other. Yet each does his and her honorable service to God, but by doing so and going about their appointed roles as prescribed by Him.