Pure Vessels

When it comes to leadership, character counts. When it comes to church leadership, character—purity of life—is essential. Those who lead God’s flock must themselves be cleansed by the Savior’s blood and model upright living. Purity includes our outward relationships, the people whom we allow to influence our lives. Purity also includes our innermost heart, the thoughts and attitudes that influence our actions. Paul exhorted Timothy to be a pure vessel, a holy instrument in God’s hands to do His work. To be a pure vessel, Timothy would need to dissociate himself from false teachers and continue to separate himself from sinful urges. As God’s servants today, we must likewise guard ourselves from detrimental relationships and destructive passions. Personal purity goes hand in hand with effective Christian service.