Vessels of Honour

 

Vessels of Honour

Who among us hasn’t stumbled through life making mistakes? Some seem to navigate more gracefully than others—but I’m not one of them. My story bears the marks of divorce, failure, and wandering through seasons of compromise and confusion—all while claiming the banner of Christianity. It’s not a proud confession, but it’s the truth.

Yet through all the failure, there was never a denial of the truth. I changed, I fell, I wrestled—but God never changes. I’ve always believed that. Even when repentance didn’t immediately follow, I would still confess Jesus as Lord, because deep down, I knew He was my only truth. And when pressed, I confirmed that truth again and again—through confession.

So, what then for those like me? Those whose lives have been scarred by disappointment and wrong turns. I’ve long believed the answer lies in the only manual that never changes—the Word of God. The Bible remains our first and final authority, the only source that can turn brokenness into purpose.

The alternative is grim. We could choose despair—sit in the ashes of regret, declare ourselves victims, and live as though our failures define us. Woe is me; I’m done. But that’s not the end of the story. The only true end is to reject the Spirit completely—to commit the unpardonable sin, the depths of which I do not claim to understand. Yet I do know this: if there’s still even a flicker of hunger within you to call out to God, to ask for forgiveness and to honour His name—then hope remains.

This truth has stirred something in me. It’s caused me to ask: Where do I now fit into God’s plan?

We often forget that both light and darkness play their part in revealing God’s glory. In every household, there are different kinds of vessels—some for noble use, others for ordinary or even dirty work. Paul spoke of this when he said that if we cleanse ourselves from what is dishonourable, we can become vessels fit for honour. A bucket used for mopping might not be displayed in the living room, yet it has its purpose. Likewise, a costly piece of art is set high for all to see—but both have their place in the Master’s house.

“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonourable, he will be a vessel for honourable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So, flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels (2 Timothy 2;21-23)

Even in Scripture, we see those who faltered. Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal—trading the eternal for the temporary. Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus with a kiss—his will was his own, but someone had to be appointed to fulfill prophecy and play that part in God’s plan. Peter, too, denied the Lord three times, yet his story didn’t end there. He wept bitterly, repented, and was restored—a vessel reshaped by grace.

We can’t change our pasts—regret reminds us of that—but we can choose what comes next. God calls us to let go of what lies behind and press forward toward the high calling in Christ Jesus.

Whatever consequences we face because of past choices are temporary. They will pass.
But eternity—that’s forever.

Signing out
Tyrone