2 Timothy 2:19b-21 tells us that clean vessels are the ones that will be used by God for His purposes and it is an honor to be chosen by God, to partner with Him, prepared for every good work (vs. 21b). Verse 19 says that those who name the Name of the Lord should abstain from wickedness to be qualified for this.
I'd like to focus on the word "wickedness" for a moment. Probably when we think of wickedness, there are a number of heinous things that come to mind. Certainly, those things we should flee from. But I think the text is requiring a much more stringent mentality. Wickendess, according to the scripture, is anything that moves contrary to God's intended path for us, large or small. Big things can cause big problems but it is the "small foxes" that can spoil the vine. It is subtle things in our thinking and living that can insinuate themselves into our lives and over time we find ourselves radically off course and away from center, God's intended true north for us.
Wicked is from the root word wic meaning twisted...from which we get the term wicker furniture. Jesus came to make us righteous, literally, straight again. Anything that deviates from God's intended righteousness for us is wicked, however subtle. Consequently, anything that deviates from God's intended best for us diminishes our usefulness.
As we look toward days of renewal, fresh vision and revival, let's see wickedness for what it really is; any variation from Our Father's directives to us personally and corporately. In doing so, we'll be becoming the vessels and church God will readily choose and use. I can't think of a greater honor.
I just wanted you to know.
Blessings,
Mitch
