The Noble Spork

[lillibet53]

The Noble Spork

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble.  If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.     
                                                           -- 2 Timothy 2:20-21

I was having lunch at a friend's home recently, a wise Christian woman with discerning eyes.  Before we ate, I had to borrow one of her spoons and have her bend and twist it in a contorted angle.  She then inserted the spoon in my hand splint and I was able to feed myself. 
 
As we ate and casually talked, I noticed she kept glancing at the bent spoon.  When lunch was over, I offered to have my husband straighten it out - to return it to its original shape.  She protested.  "I want to keep this spoon just the way it is.  You can only use a spoon that's been bent.  A straight one won't do.  A twisted tool in your hand can better accomplish a task.  What a great illustration of the kinds of people God enjoys using!"
 
She's right.  God can better accomplish his unique plan when he bends us to suit his will.  This makes us different than most people (just like my spoon doesn't look like the rest of the utensils in the kitchen drawer).  But in the hand of God, we serve an express purpose.  The metal of our souls may be hard to bend, but when we allow God the privilege of shaping our lives, we discover new purpose.  Isn't it great to realize you are a chosen vessel for God - perfectly suited for his use?! 
 
The dictionary says that noble means, "Grand, splendid, magnificent; having greatness of character and excellent qualities."  Wouldn't you like to be one of God's chosen vessels for noble use?  You can be, you know.  Read again 2 Timothy 2:21, paying special attention to the last part of the verse.  What kind of work could be considered noble?  How can you prepare yourself to be used for noble purposes?
 
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I may be different than others, but I look perfect in your hands.  Reach for me today, Lord, and use me.

(from More Precious Than Silver, by Joni Eareckson Tada)