Greg Gordon
Member
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. – 2 Timothy 2:20
We all have different vessels in our homes some for cooking, some for cleaning, some for storing precious materials. We all realize that some basins have less value and we even are willing to throw them out as they are spoiled for a lesser use. Paul is writing Timothy to consider how his calling as a Church leader is holy and important and requires him to seek to be a vessel for a higher purpose. We can settle in life to choose ways of sin, compromise and mediocrity in our Christian life. Timothy as a young Apostle was being encouraged to cleanse himself “godless chatter” (2 Timothy 2:16) but rather to seek to follow the Lord way in righteousness, faith, love and peace (2 Timothy 2:22). He was encouraged that if he is going to be used of the Lord as a leader in the Church he would need to separate from those who are divisive, arguing about words, and producing quarrels amongst believers. True servants in the body of Christ do not seek to argue and debate to control but rather to show love and patiently teach in kindness and love. Simply put if God has a call on your life to be a pastor or spiritual leader in his Church you cannot live as others around you. It is said that one who desires to be an Overseer desires a “noble task” (1 Timothy 3:1). The greek word used for noble here has the word picture of something very beautiful and crafted in a way that is reverenced and admired. Church leaders are to be godly men whose godliness we can follow (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Church leaders lead by example and do not force others to live godly as they do. One church leader gave these maxims as some practical guidelines to be a vessel set apart for a noble use. Thomas Hopko says, “Be always with Christ. Do acts of mercy in secret. Be polite with everyone. Spend some time in silence every day. Be faithful in little things. Be grateful in all things. Be simple, hidden, quiet and small. Say the Lord’s Prayer several times a day. Don’t complain, mumble, murmur or whine. Don’t defend or justify yourself. Be merciful with yourself and with others.” To be called as a Christian leader is to be called to a godly life following the Lord. It is a life of separation from the common, mundane and defiling. The way of godliness is practical and Paul exhorts Timothy to “avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly” (2 Timothy 2:16). When we indulge our minds and tongues in criticism, fault finding, judging, complaining, slander, gossip we end up defiling our vessel becoming less useable for the Lord. Is God calling you to be a shepherd in his body? Start now to discipline yourself in areas of your life, in your tongue, mind, body, as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1-2). True spiritual leaders are those who inwardly are judging themselves and constantly seeking communion with the Lord. Practically how are you separating yourself to the Lord for his work and use? Allow the Holy Spirit to burden your heart in an area that you need to discipline yourself (Romans 8:13) so a godly life can be manifest to others.
from: https://gregjgordon.wordpress.com/2015/06/04/church-leaders-are-to-be-holy-and-separate/