What’s in Your Vessel?

Our existence dictates we hold onto things.  From childhood, our fingers grab.  Young minds learn to say “mine.”  We bond with family and friends as part of our identity.  Trinkets remind us of events and people no longer present in our lives.  Stuff makes life interesting and more comfortable.

Not all possessions are beneficial; not all relationships are healthy.  Yet, we hold onto them as precious.  The thought of letting go, compels a stronger grip.  We even hide them at the back of the “closet” to keep them safe. 

But, letting go is exactly what God asks us to do.

In metaphor, the Bible describes people as vessels.  This is simply objects that hold things: a cup, a bowl, a box, an urn.  We are born as a vessel filled with pure life.  Almost immediately, we start to displace that fluid with mental and emotional possessions.  Think of these as pebbles, marbles, and bits of stuff that fill a child’s secret box.  Some memories are pretty; they bring us joy.  But, if they are not shared they become dusty.  Some memories are just lumps that take up space.  But, we can’t get rid of these because they are part of the collection.  Then there are memories that hurt.  Razor sharp edges slice deep each time they are touched.  Some of these memories grow like a fungus.  They coat every memory in slimy poison.  The old pain even taints new memories.  Disgust, anger, and hatred become our identity.

God wants to clean out our life deforming collection.  As soon as we give up control of “mine,” He starts to refill our vessel with the water of life.  If we give Him permission, He will wash away the sludge and pull out the sharp bits.  He even plugs the holes that let His presence “escape.”  This is a process, not a single life-changing event.  We have the opportunity to receive a lifetime of life-changing events.  God customizes each one to free us.  Just let go.

Relax.  God likes pretty keepsakes too.  Cleaned up, these reflect God’s love and are ready to share.  He does not wipe away our memories.  He removes the devastating emotions associated with them.  He frees us from the obsessions that cripple our future.  We become a testimony to God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy.

Now, that is a great box of treasures!