We become useful vessels when we are wholly consecrated to God.
The Bible refers to us as earthen, or frail, human vessels (see 2 Cor. 4:7). Like stoneware formed on the potter’s wheel, we are made of clay (see Is. 64:8). God formed Adam out of “the dust of the ground” according to Genesis 2:7, and Psalm 103:14 says, “He knows our frame, He [earnestly] remembers and imprints [on His heart] that we are dust” (The Amplified Bible).
Though we are weak and imperfect, when we fill our vessels (ourselves) with the Word of God, we become containers of His blessing, ready to be poured out for His use. All of us are valuable to the Lord–God can use even cracked pots!
When He called Jeremiah, He told him, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew and approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jer. 1:5). Like Jeremiah, we can offer God’s truth to people everywhere we go.
But first we must be wholly consecrated to God. Second Timothy 2:21 reminds us, “Whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.”
A significant key to our becoming useful vessels is controlling our tongues. Psalm 50:23 says, “He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honors and glorifies Me; and he who orders his way aright [who prepares the way that I may show him], to him I will demonstrate the salvation of God.”
What would happen if we gave our mouths to God each day so that only godly words came from our lips? Psalm 34:13 says, “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.” Dedicate your mouth to God and use it only for what pleases Him–praise and worship, edification and exhortation, and giving thanks. Place your lips on the altar each morning. Give your mouth to God through praying His Word: “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise” (Ps. 51:15).
Many people want to receive from God, but they are not willing to give all of themselves to Him. The parable of the talents instructs us to use what God gives us to expand the Master’s kingdom (see Matt. 25:14-30).
Make a fresh commitment to be a giver and invest yourself, your time, and your money in the Lord’s work. Don’t let the devil talk you out of giving just because you have bills to pay and obligations that cause you to worry. Jesus urges us not to be worried or anxious about anything, for God knows our needs and promises to care for us (see Matt. 6:25-34).
Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors] and with the firstfruits of all your income; so shall your storage places be filled with plenty, and your vats shall be overflowing with new wine.” The apostle Paul also said that the believers in Macedonia not only gave their money to God but also gave themselves to the Lord’s service (see 2 Cor. 8:1-5). Paul too gave his life in service to God’s people.
Someone needs your life today. Give yourself to God, and let Him show you who needs ministry on His behalf. Give Him everything you are, everything you hope to be, all your dreams, visions, hopes and desires. Make everything His, and He will demonstrate His power through your life.
When I minister to people, I share about my family. I tell about our failures as well as our victories. I share the testimony of our lives to help others live victoriously too.
If you have never dedicated yourself to the Lord’s service, you are missing a great adventure. Every day you need to give yourself entirely to God. Say: “Lord, I am Yours. I want to be a vessel fit for Your use. I dedicate myself to You. I give You my hands, my mouth, my mind, my body, my money and my time. Do with me whatever You want to do today.”
Joyce Meyer is an internationally recognized minister and author of 57 books, including the best sellers Beauty for Ashes and Battlefield of the Mind (Warner Faith), and her most recent, Starting Your Day Right: Devotions for Each Morning of the Year (Warner Faith, 2003). She is the founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries Inc. and the host of Joyce Meyer Ministries radio and TV programs, which air on hundreds of stations worldwide.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.