Decisions, Decisions
It is interesting that Paul does not tell Timothy that we MUST choose to cleanse ourselves of the latter (i.e. common use), but rather that if we choose to, that we can be used for special purposes by God.
We must decide, do we want to give ourselves to the common use and look like everyone else (especially like the non-believers) around us? Common enough that those with whom we interact may never think twice about our interaction.
Just think about it: Which fork did you use to eat dinner last Tuesday? What? You don't remember? Of course you don't. You just grabbed one out of the drawer and used it for its common purpose. Then, you washed it and put it away with all the other forks that look just like it. You'd never think twice about any certain fork (except that one with the burr on it that always catches your lip) because they're all the same, and they're all replaceable - mere commodities.
God wants us to stand out. He doesn't want us to look and act like those around us. He wants us to be - and appear to be - different. He wants people to remember their interactions with us. He wants people - believers or not , but, especially non-believers, to remember that we are different.
People will remember they guy at the office that doesn't use profanity. They will remember the woman at the gym that ignores the gossip and doesn't comment on how So-and-so needs to come to spin class so she'll look respectable in that certain outfit. They'll notice the guy that treats all women with respect, regardless of physical beauty or manner of dress. They may not be comfortable around you for fear that you will judge them for doing the things you decide not to do. (So make extra sure that you are not being judgmental!) Thus, they may shun you. If they do, you'll be in good company. Just open your Bible to, well, anywhere, and you'll find God's servants being shunned, and even mistreated. But these are all people whom God used for Special Purposes (or else they wouldn't be in the Bible).
People who decide to cleanse themselves of the common will be set apart. These people will be remembered. These people will stand out. These people will make an impact. These people are the people that God will use for his special purposes. We must DECIDE to be these people.
Created 11 months ago
