Although everybody has been called, it is up to the individual to decide whether he wants to do a good work or not.
[19]But God’s truth stands firm like a great rock, and nothing can shake it. It is a foundation stone with these words written on it: “The Lord knows those who are really his,” and “A person who calls himself a Christian should not be doing things that are wrong.”
[20]In a wealthy home there are dishes made of gold and silver as well as some made from wood and clay. The expensive dishes are used for guests, and the cheap ones are used in the kitchen or to put garbage in.
[21]If you stay away from sin you will be like one of these dishes made of purest gold—the very best in the house—so that Christ himself can use you for his highest purposes.
[22]Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts that young men often have, but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right. Have faith and love, and enjoy the companionship of those who love the Lord and have pure hearts.
[23]Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish arguments, which only upset people and make them angry.
[24]God’s people must not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong.
[25]Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them, they are more likely, with God’s help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true.
[26]Then they will come to their senses and escape from Satan’s trap of slavery to sin, which he uses to catch them whenever he likes, and then they can begin doing the will of God.
Like today's passage puts it, we can either be vessels of honour or vessels of dishonor. We can choose to serve the Lord with all our hearts or serve Him on Sunday only.
To meet God's requirement for good work, we must purge ourselves from a number of things.
What kind of vessel do you want to be? What is the magnitude of your work? Will it pass through the scale of God's judgement? You have to go through process to become worthy vessels. Remember that our works will be tried so let's not be weary in doing good works.
