Wednesday 31st January
Read 2 Timothy 2:20-22
“In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (NIVUK)
Sometimes we may think that holiness consists in not sinning or doing the wrong thing. Paul would tell us, along with the rest of the New Testament authors, that holiness is not simply about ‘fleeing the evil desires of youth’ but also requires the pursuit of ‘righteousness, faith, love and peace’ (v22). There are things we ought not do, but equally, holiness consists in chasing after the good. Perhaps that is what Paul means when he observes that those ‘who cleanse themselves’ will be made holy and prepared to do good (v21)? Only those who both flee evil and pursue good are useful to the Master. How useful are you?
