God is looking for uncommon vessels. It is easy to be common. Just be like everyone else, do what is popular, walk according to the mediocre standard that has been set by the respectable. But common things don’t have much value. Common things can be compared to what you buy at Wal-Mart. These things have value but they are in abundance. There is much replication. Manufacturers just stick it in a machine and push the replicator button. There you have it, millions of little things that you can buy anywhere. But you won’t find an original paining of Rembrandt there. There are no originals, only copies.
Such is the case with the images portrayed for those who desire to follow God. Most of the time people just get into the cookie-cutter instead of being the original God has created them to be. There is only one you. But if you put your eyes on people, like most do, then you will just be another number. When you put our eyes on the Lord, making Him and His life your standard, then you become someone who sets a higher standard. All of the sudden you are not welcome in the common crowd because you make them uncomfortable. Although we are all called by the same God, we can have an uncommon faith that brings us into a place of being chosen for a peculiar and exceptional life in God.
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
2 Timothy 2:19-21
Shaped Through Process
Most people don’t really want you to follow God with a greater dedication than they do. People don’t like the rub. When the rubber meets the road all of the sudden there is friction and they would rather keep you at the level of mediocrity and what is acceptable in the eyes of men. On the other hand, there is a price to pay to not be mediocre and choose to be an original.?Each diamond has a unique cut. There is a “cut”. Diamonds are shaped and formed going through a process. Pearls go through process of time in an alone place.
How many friends do you have to have to feel good about yourself? Jesus did not have many close friends. He had His disciples that he called friends. There were only three that were somewhat close to Him. There was only one that actually stayed with Him in His most difficult journey. That was Jesus! ?The Son of God, God in the flesh with all love, anointing and glory. The best He could do was to have one friend to stick with Him. It was that same friend who had probably the most profound Revelation of Jesus Christ, John the beloved. He was the one who was closest to the Lord, laying his head on the heart of Jesus. If you only have one good friend in God you have accomplished much! If you have none don’t feel too bad. As long as God is your friend then you are in good company. The point is that God’s pleasure is what matters, our security is not found in the number of friends we have.
In the Eyes of God
People who are willing to pay the price to be close to God are those jewels in treasure chest. Yes. God loves everyone. But He only reveals His secrets to His servants, the prophets. Jesus directly connected Himself with the prophets. The prophets, in the mind of God and in reality, are those who are closest to Him. This does not mean that you have to call yourself a prophet to be one. You don’t need the badge and title. God may view you as one just because you are that close to him.
I’m certain that John the beloved did not think he was a prophet. But because he was so into the Lord, loved being around Him, he was already made a prophet in the eyes of God. Those who desire to be close to the Lord have to be willing to sacrifice what common vessels enjoy. The best way to be uncommon is to love God with all the heart, mind and strength. People who love God love His Presence and His family.
Jesus said the road is wide that leads to destruction.(Matt. 7:13) This is the route of the common. The road for the uncommon is “but narrow is the way that leads to life and there are few that find it.” I’m taking this out of context here on purpose to make a point, but it applies. Jesus is speaking of salvation here, but it also shows us the way of those who are willing to pay an extraordinary price to not go the way of the crowd. Take some time to evaluate if you are living as a common or uncommon vessel. God is looking for uncommon vessels that are suitable for the Master’s use.