The apostle Paul uses an illustration to remind Timothy (and believers today) that our usefulness to God is dependent on being holy. So often, we tolerate sin of various kinds and are indifferent to God’s claim on our lives.

Paul reminds us that every house has vessels that are fancy, and the owners are proud to display them. Other vessels, more common (wood and clay), are put away when guests come.

The better vessels – the ones that are clean and ready for use – will be used in the Master’s service. No one would bring out vessels for a meal that are not clean and set them before their guests.

God is the same way. He honors and uses those people who put away sin and seek to please Him in all things. Although we are not perfect, we can aim to please Him in all we do, say, and think. Notice that we are to purge ourselves, and He will help us.

If you want to be ready for the Master to use in His service, it is time to put away the sin (“purge himself”). Confess it today and ask Him for help to get the victory you need. Learn to be faithful in the things God wants every believer to do and get prepared. Then, look for places of service and seek His guidance – but also wait for His direction.

Christ’s call to the world is not just a call to salvation. Rather, our journey through life with Christ only begins there.

As our verse says, God did not call any of us who are saved to walk in “uncleanness” – sinful and worldly ways, but rather to holiness. The Greek word for “holiness” is also translated as “sanctification.” It means a separation from the world to God.

It is always a choice as to how you as a Christian will live – whether for God or for self. God has given us many promises to help us live for Him the way He wants. Paul said, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (II Co. 7:1).

The Bible tells us that to Him, holiness is a beautiful and desirable quality in the believer. Three times the Bible refers to the “beauty of holiness,” as in Psalm 29:2: “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”

True holiness to God is beautiful to Him. It speaks of a heart that wants to please Him and is willing to leave off that which does not. It is like a couple in love, where each one tries to please the other. In Psalm 37:4, David tells us: “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

It is impossible to please God and live in sin. When we are willing to forsake sin and do so, then we will find that God can take delight in us and will bless.

Are you willing to live the way God wants and seek to please Him above all others? Remember that the Bible tells us: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Am. 3:3).