Tupperware Christians

2 Timothy 2:20-21
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

If Paul were teaching us today, he may have said, “But in an executive mansion there are not only vessels of gold, silver and precious china, but also of stainless steel, stoneware and Tupperware®, some for honor and some for dishonor.” He was making a metaphorical point that there are a variety of uses for individuals in the church depending upon their usefulness. He further made the statement that it was the responsibility of the vessel (the individual) to be rid of things in their lives that would cause them to be vessels of dishonor.

2 Timothy 2:22-26
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.


From what Paul and other New Testament writers declare, the usefulness of my life for the work of the Kingdom of God depends upon my willingness and consistency to set aside, lay aside, forsake, put off and flee from (Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:8; 2 Tim. 2:22; Heb. 12:1; James 1:21; 1 Peter 2:1) the works of my flesh. If we want to be vessels of honor, used powerfully by the Hand of God, we must be diligent in our desire and actions to please the Master of our souls. In 1 Corinthians 9:27 Paul further speaks of the personal discipline he himself endures in order that he would be useful for the Kingdom and not disqualified.

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Discipline covers a multitude of areas and I believe that our entire life – physically and emotionally (as well as spiritually) – is a demonstration of the reality of the discipline of the spirit. I have known men and women who were very disciplined in all areas of their lives and have been amazed at how they were able to see the Lord Jesus use them in so many areas. I have also seen men and women who love the Lord, yet fail in areas of personal discipline, miss or mess up the work of the Lord in their lives. Neither of these is 100% in either direction, but it does appear to be a good general rule for the Christian. A disciplined life will result in a disciplined spirit -- an undisciplined life usually also has an undisciplined spirit.

Tupperware® had a use in our house, But my mother always put it away when there was a special occasion and for the use of special guests. Am I satisfied being Tupperware® or do I want to be used as fine china by the Master?

How is the personal discipline in your life?

What do you do to extend or strengthen personal areas of discipline in the physical? Emotional? Spiritual?

What daily routines, structure or habits do you use to help in those areas?