Devotionals for July 16, 2024

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2 TIMOTHY 2:20-21

20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

Consecration is the act of dedicating yourself to loving God and to making your life exclusively available for his purposes. It is not something we do to earn God’s favor, it is instead something we do in response to receiving God’s favor. It is also important to note that Paul in this passage is not calling some Christians to be extra special, like a fork that polishes itself in the drawer so that it is more likely to shine and be selected when someone opens the drawer. Actually, Paul is calling ALL Christians to live a life of holiness and purity, ready to be used by God for every good work.

Q: In Paul’s analogy, are the wood and clay utensils followers of Jesus? Why or why not?

Q: Do you feel more like a utensil made from gold and silver or a bowl made from wood or clay? Why?

Q: Is there a particular sin that is weighing you down? Consider confessing it to a close friend this week, asking for prayer and encouragement to be holy. You may find the help you need to grow in holiness!

"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.