“20In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21If a man cleanses himself from the latter; he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 22Flee 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. 23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” – 2 Tim 2:20-26
There is a popular song by Bebo Norman, called “The Hammer Holds” where he tells a story from the perspective of a piece of steel waiting to be shaped into whatever the master and the hammer decides. Ultimately, after dreaming of being beautiful art or something of great purpose, he discovers that he was formed into nails that were used to nail Jesus to the cross. (Click here for full lyrics)
Just like steel, household utensils, and humans, some people have been set apart by God to be used for his specific purpose. Paul was writing to Timothy in a culture where certain household items were used to dishonorable duties (removing excrements) while others were used for honorable duties. (Liefeld, pg. 260) We need to live our lives as ministers set apart and holy so we can do any good work that God will plan for us.
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