After completing high school, I dabbled with the idea of computer sciences. With the lure of employability, I hoped to be successful, but with the lack of interest in computing, I wasn’t. One key learning in programming was Boolean algebras and statements. I guess we could say it was based on the laws of probability. Do you remember these
If X,
Then Y
If X + Y, then …
I was reminded at that time of those story books that had the reader determine the ending using the same principle. Now, I think Today’s Holy Nougat should have crossed my mind.
“If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21 NLT
Godly equations
Purity laws can offer some challenges to many of us as they have been used by others to suppress and marginalize. And it is understandable. Contextually, the nougat would have been very timely, as Paul sought to mentor his young protegé who was not always taken seriously because of his youth. The call for purity is nestled in the dispensed advice.
Prior to the Boolean algebra, Paul appeals to Timothy to prioritize knowledge so that Timothy could counter (repudiate) the false doctrines in circulation. Paul’s words seem to be about maintaining the Truth of God’s Word where a proliferation of gospel messages abounded.
Building on the premise that “God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”” (v 19), Paul is therefore urging Timothy away from anything that appears evil. That seems to be the litmus test for true faith.
Paul strengthens his argument to Timothy by suggesting that believers are like God’s chinaware. And diligence determines how much and how valuable we are to God.
This digression to describe household vessels seem strange until the Boolean algebra is presented – if Timothy shuns evil (stays pure), then God will promote him to special service like prized china. It has marvelous applications for us all.
God is the standard. God determines purity levels. God promotes according to our faithfulness. Before we get all het up about the Davids and Abrahams, I wish to remind us that God also examines our hearts, not only what is presented to the world. I also hasten to remind us that all chinaware has utility – even the chipped ones. God will work with broken vessels.
If we are willing to recognize our broken state, God neither discards nor despises us.
If in our brokenness we offer ourselves back to God, we will receive grace (God’s forgiveness that we didn’t earn), and by God’s Spirit, we become as precious china.
Some sweet Godly equations, yes? How will we respond.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
