Tuesday, June 28
Special instrument
Scripture: Song of Songs 3-4, Proverbs 15, 2 Timothy 2
2 Timothy 2:21 So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
Observation
Paul warned young pastor Timothy about false teachers (v. 14-19) and instructs him how he should respond to them (v. 23-26). In contrast to the false teachers, if Timothy would “purify himself from anything dishonorable” such as the false teaching and misbehavior it inspires, God would use him in special ways.
He would be a “special instrument”—an honored or valued tool in God’s hands.
He would be “set apart”—made holy, unique, different, set apart for God’s purposes.
He would be “useful to the Master”—someone God can use for whatever purpose is at hand.
He would be “prepared for every good work”—always ready.
Application
As I read this verse, I wanted this to be true of me. I want to be “a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”
To that end, I must ask myself if there is “anything dishonorable” from which I need to purify myself? Is there anything that is compromising my usefulness to God? Anything that keeps me from being prepared for every good work?
What comes to mind is my selfish thinking that keeps me from being truly others-focused. Here is today’s assignment: with the Lord’s help, be truly focused on others when I’m with them. Let go of my selfish thoughts.
Prayer: Lord, help me today to let go of my self-centeredness and be truly focused on the person I’m with. Make me a “a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”