The term vessel unto honor is used to describe those who are holy and consecrated unto God. Paul uses it as an analogy to describe sanctity, which is achieved only by cleansing oneself from dishonorable things. From what he says in 2 Timothy 2:20-21, we can understand that a vessel unto honor is a person who, by living a holy life, is set aside for God’s honorable use or noble purposes. The opposite of this is a vessel unto dishonor, which is disposable or common. Such vessels are not as useful or pure.
To make this clearer, someone like Mary Magdalene became a vessel unto honor, as she was the very first messenger of the good news (Jn. 20:18). A vessel unto dishonor would be Pharaoh, who refused to submit himself to God’s biddings and instead became an instrument of God’s judgment (Ex. 9:16;14:4). Likewise, Paul, formerly a persecutor, became a vessel unto honor (1 Tim. 1:12–16) by his surrender to God while Judas, became a vessel unto dishonor by deliberate choice (Jn. 17:12).
So, the key here is not that a vessel unto honor is more classy, nor is it that God loves those vessels more. The key is holiness and consecration to God. This is what makes a person very special in God’s grand purpose. Therefore, a vessel unto dishonor is not predetermined, and no one is destined to remain an “ordinary” vessel in God’s hands. So far as a person satisfies the conditions required to become a vessel unto honor, they become just that.
What makes a vessel honorable?
A vessel unto honor must be holy. Doing good is good, but being holy is the standard. We must purge ourselves of every work of unrighteousness and evil to achieve this quality. From verses 14 to 26 of 2 Timothy 2, Paul discusses the things that should not be found in anyone seeking to be a vessel unto honor.
He mentions things like baseless arguments, which would only lead to the hearer’s ruin, youthful lusts and anything that stimulates it, godless chatter, which only leads to more ungodliness, and this list goes on. He also mentions the qualities that believers should pursue, like purity, faith, righteousness, peace, and love.
To become a vessel unto honor, one must simply do the things God considers honorable.
Why is it important to become a vessel unto honor?
Becoming a vessel unto honor is not a cause; it is an effect. It is the effect of living holy, set apart for God’s use. One does not become a vessel unto honor until one has become holy and sanctified. Therefore, the true importance is placed on holiness. This leads to a bigger and more foundational question: why holiness?
We were created for His purpose. Revelation 4:11 KJV says For thou hast created all things, and for thy purpose they are and were created. We exist for God, so we must live our lives as people who are submitted to His holy and noble purpose. Being a vessel unto honor is God’s intention for every believer.
Moreover, the scripture says in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 that we are the temple of God. There is nowhere that should be more sanctified and seen as holy than the temple of God, where He dwells.
Another reason is that as children of God, we ought to look like Him in character. God tells us in 1 Peter 1:15-16 that He is holy, so we should be holy as well. He is not calling us to a standard that He has not displayed first for us to see. He is only telling us to do what He has done. We are called to purify ourselves, just as Christ is pure. In other words, the idea is that when people see us, they’re reminded of Christ. Jesus Christ is the most perfect example of a vessel unto honor. As his followers, we must follow in that manner as well.
Romans 12:1 tells us it is our spiritual service in worship. That is, it is by doing this, we are truly and properly worshipping Him. Singing worship songs in a heartfelt manner is great, but living holy, honorably before God is the real deal.
Lastly, without holiness, no one can see God (Heb. 12:14). The scripture is very clear on this one, no ifs, buts, or maybes. If you are not presenting yourself as a holy vessel, then you would not just be dishonorable, you would also not see God. Holiness is foundational to our walk with God.
How can one attain this level of becoming a vessel unto honor?
It’s easy to just say cleanse yourself of sin, but the doing is where the real challenge is, and just like Paul said, there are times when it is those very things you don’t want to do again that you find yourself doing. So, what’s the way out?
Romans 12:2 offers the perfect solution: mind renewal. Every great decision, lifestyle modification, or transformation starts with a resolve. It starts with the mind. That verse tells us to subject our minds to a daily renewal.
Each night when you go to bed, several things have happened during the day to influence your mindset and change your perspectives, sometimes from what is holy and acceptable before God, to what is not. So, when you wake up the next morning, it is a necessity for you to refresh your mind with what God actually wants. You must refresh your mind with the truth of the gospel, with the word of God.
Matter of fact, you must do this more than once a day. It must be consistent and continual throughout your daily activities. By doing this, you gradually shape your mind into a sanctified space, and your lifestyle soon catches up. Before you even realise it, you begin to live the holy life God desires for you.
However, there is no talk of holiness without salvation. To live a holy life and then become a vessel unto honor, you must be saved. Only Jesus gives salvation. If you would love to take that bold step to salvation and then holiness, please say this prayer: Dear Jesus, I thank you for your love towards me. Thank you for saving my soul. Today, I receive you into my heart as my Lord and Savior. From now on, I live a holy life by your grace, so that I can become a vessel unto honor before you. Amen.
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