We all want to be special! When we consider the meaning of “special,” we often think of someone who is born with a unique athletic ability or talent. When a young person has a natural athletic gift, they can, over time, develop it through training, discipline, and dedication and eventually be chosen to play professional sports and recognized by others for their contributions to the team. Their recognition and rewards come after years of training and hard work. Being born with natural abilities does not ensure success; it’s the commitment and willingness to develop those abilities that make them successful. The trophies and recognition are the byproducts of dedication. 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.(2 Timothy 2:20)
God’s Word gives insight into how every person is born into a great house–but not all are used the same way. Some are set apart for special purposes, while others are used for ordinary ones. This passage isn’t about exclusion; it’s about invitation and transformation. It shows us how, as men, we can be prepared for a greater purpose–not a common one.
To be used for something special, we must first be made clean and holy.
1 John 1:9 declares, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Being made clean begins when we accept Christ into our hearts as Savior. As men, we know how to clean ourselves up on the outside–take a shower, cut our hair, shave, throw on a clean shirt. But what God desires is far deeper. It’s not our outward appearance that matters most–it’s our heart. God sees what’s within, and only He can truly make us clean.
The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7b).
We become holy when we seek forgiveness through Jesus–the one whom God our Father sent on our behalf. When we are cleansed by Him, we are no longer common. We become set apart, made holy, and ready to be used by our Master for every good work.
But holiness isn’t the end–it’s the beginning of preparation. Like a young athlete, we must stay ready and prepared. How? It begins by hearing and learning the Word of God.
As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:2:
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
What we’ve heard and learned must be passed on. When we soak in God’s Word, He equips us–not just for our own growth, but to teach and build up others. But remember: hearing the Word comes with responsibility. When truth is received, it demands a response. Preparation requires obedience.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
2 Timothy 2:15 reminds us to handle the Word of Truth correctly. Since God is truth, His Word embodies perfect, holy truth. There is no reason to add or subtract from this pure truth. As vessels of special purpose, we are first called to be made holy, and then to handle God’s very words with care. Our journey toward holiness comes from Him, and the Word of Truth is from Him. Our use for special purposes is not something we designed or built on our own; instead, we are like special vessels made perfect by embracing a perfect Father!
Furthermore, our calling comes from Him! According to 2 Timothy 2:25, God grants us repentance, which leads us to the knowledge of His truth. If He offers us repentance, cleanses us from our sins, and sanctifies us through the Word of truth, then provides us with good works and crowns us for those very works (as mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:8), then who are we? We are His beloved children, created for a purpose. He has prepared a path for every step we take, as long as we choose to follow our Good Father!
Have a great weekend!
Stephen L. Thomas RTM