When I was a young, I was taught that God only uses clean vessels. In other words, if you want to be used by God, then you must live a clean life because God doesn’t use junk! And the implication is that if you are used by God, then that meant that you are a clean vessel.

But that is not biblical nor logical. Just how clean do you have to be for God to use you? We are all sinners. Are we not? Sure, there is a degree of sinfulness depending on who you are, but the fact is that we are ALL unclean vessels. But God uses some of us and not others. And then, consider some of the biblical characters. They were NOT good people!

Consider Samson whom God used to destroy Israel’s enemy. He was an impetuous, immature, licentious playboy. Yet, he had God’s calling on his life from birth! Consider Jonah. Need I say more? Consider king Saul, Jephtah, Rehoboam, Solomon, etc. None of these men were exemplary. Yet, God used them all to accomplish HIs purpose.

Now, of course we shouldn’t use that as an excuse to be wicked. We absolutely SHOULD try to be as clean as possible in the Lord. But why? If God can use unclean vessels as well as clean vessels, why should we try to be clean? Because the cleans vessels actually get to enjoy God. What I mean is that those who keep themselves clean will actually enjoy doing so.

I love going on trips with my girls. I don’t understand those who can’t wait till their children are out of the house so that they can travel. For me, I don’t see the point of traveling without my girls. What’s so great about seeing buildings, dead monuments when you can’t share it with your loved ones?

In the same way, those who keep themselves clean get the ultimate reward of God Himself.

“Blessed are the pure, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

PH