You’re Not Special

Have you ever questioned the worth of “special china” sitting behind glass doors on display—yet rarely used?

You can’t find a clean cup in the house for a drink of water and you glance over at the china cabinet…

There they are—all lined up, looking good and staying put.

Off limits.

Reserved for something special and important.

Frustrating, isn’t it?

Cups for use are in high demand and in low supply while the “special china” is plentiful but not available for use.

The Apostle Paul pointed out that in a large house, there are all kinds of useful vessels—some gold, some silver, some wood and others made from clay. (2 Timothy 2.20)

What’s important to God, according to Paul, is not the appearance of the vessel but its usefulness.

God doesn’t have special china in His house, only vessels for use.

Unfortunately, many churches are full of “special china” Christians who make an appearance on special occasions, then return to the display case so they can be admired.

Remember the analogy Jesus used when describing the pharisees?

He said they clean the outside of the cup and dish…

In other words, they look good.

They shine and sparkle in the display case, but on the inside they’re full of selfish motives.

Moldy, dirty and nasty… unable to be used.

To all the “special china” in the church cupboard I say:

You’re not special—and we need your help.

You’re a vessel for use, not an ornament to be admired.

You were created by the potter to carry things.

We have a city to love and people to serve.

It’s time to get out of the display case and be used.