Calendar

ARE YOU A RESPONSIBLE OWNER?
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15
1 Thessalonians 4:4-5

2 Timothy 2:20-22

 

“…how to possess his vessel

in sanctification and honour.”

 

ARE YOU A RESPONSIBLE OWNER?
 
To take ownership of something means that we are responsible for that thing. For example, home ownership is an onerous task. Upon taking possession of a property, it is now our responsibility to maintain it, to ensure that bills are paid and faults rectified. An irresponsible owner, on the other hand, is one who allows his property to fall into disrepair. Over time it becomes run down, no longer suitable for human habitation.
 
The Bible tells us that our body is a vessel that has been entrusted to our care. We are called to be responsible owners of the body that God has given to us. We must learn how to possess our vessels in sanctification and honour. This means that we must know how to control our body, with all its passions and desires, and direct it in the way of holiness. We must do our best to abstain from sinful or shameful deeds, and actively seek to glorify God and bring honour to His name. If there are areas of our life that need fixing, as responsible owners of our body, we shall do what is necessary to rectify these faults, that it can be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, meet for the Master’s use (2 Tim 2:21).
 
This is a responsibility that we must bear throughout our lives. We must continually exercise self-control and discipline over our bodies. Our carnal self-will seek to go the way of the world and indulge in the lusts of the flesh. But with God’s grace, we must do all we can to ensure that our body remains a most hospitable abode for the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. We must avoid the “lust of concupiscence” (1 Thess 4:5; passions of unbridled desires) which the ungodly pursue after. Instead, we must seek after that which is holy, pure and good. Remember “that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor 6:19-20).
 
THOUGHT: Knowing that our body is not our own, but that we were bought with a price by God – does this make me a more, or less, responsible owner?
PRAYER: Father, help me to possess my vessel in sanctification and honour.

Search