Holiness #2 — Instrumental Holiness

If anyone cleanses himself from wickedness, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21

Cleanliness is a means of holiness. In the operating suite, the surgical staff sterilizes all the equipment; they make it holy. Unsterilized equipment is not useful to the surgeon, nor beneficial to the patient. The hazardous waste receptacle is important, but it is not holy. It is set apart for dishonor, for the garbage. When we come to Jesus, he begins the process of making us holy by cleansing us of our sin. And, he gives us the Holy Spirit, who causes us to delight in God’s instructions. Then he gives us the Word of God and prays that the Father will sanctify us by his true word. One of these words is the promise of this command: if we turn ourselves away from wickedness we will be holy: valuable to God’s purpose of filling the earth with the knowledge of his glory. If, by obedience to Christ’s commands, we cleanse ourselves from hurtful, self-exalting behavior — the kind that turns others away from trusting God to provide in every area of their lives — his goodness can flow through us in such a way that people see it and praise our holy God.

Wise Master, I want to live so your goodness is clearly seen. Help me live meekly. Give me a delight in hearing others praise you for the good that has come to them through me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.