WHAT GOD SEEKS IN A VESSEL The word "vessel" means different things to different people depending on the context

of usage. The general usage of the word in day-to-day conversations connotes a hollow receptacle, especially one that is used as a container for liquids. In Anatomy, the word 'vessel' means a duct that carries fluid, especially blood or lymph, around the body. In naval sciences, it means a large watercraft e.g. Ship. In Botany, it is a tube found in most flowering plants and some ferns that carry water and dissolved minerals through the plant, forming part of the sap-conducting tissue, xylem. In the literary world, it is used to describe someone seen as a recipient or embodiment of a quality. However, the use of the word "Vessel" in the Bible encapsulates all the definitions or descriptions given above. This is because it is used figuratively to describe someone who has the fullness of God's given qualities spiritually, socially, emotionally and intellectually. Vessels are made from various materials by skilled artisans. These materials could be baked clay, iron ore, bronze, silver, platinum or gold. They also come in different shapes and sizes. The quality of materials used in making a vessel confers on its uniqueness, worth, availability and importance. Equally important is the fact that, regardless of the quality of a vessel, it may be used for a good or bad purpose. For example, a vessel of gold is expensive, but it can be used to scoop human or animal blood by occultic people. Silverwares may be used to drink alcohols or used in other dishonourable ways. Nebuchadnezzar coveted the golden vessels from the temple in Jerusalem and his son, Belshazzar used the golden vessels to drink wine (Daniel 5:1-4). Dinah was an honourable vessel (being the daughter of the Patriarch Jacob), yet she was admired and lusted after and ultimately defiled by Shechem (Genesis 34:1, 2).This teaches us some lessons on the vulnerability of precious vessels in the hands of the ungodly. Relating this to our Christian estate, we can easily see that no matter how precious a man or woman is before God, no matter how holy, conscientious and upright, he or she can still be polluted by the Devil and his cohorts if he/she is not watchful and prayerful. No wonder we see many precious Christians taken away by the devil through backsliding. In the house of God, everybody, whether a sinner, saint, hypocrite or a minister is a vessel (2 Timothy 2:20). The distinguishing characteristics of the different types of vessels are understood when we compare the qualities associated with gold, silver, wood and earth. The Bible used the words "honour" and "dishonour" to qualify the types of uses they are put to. Although God can use all types of vessels to fulfill His purpose, He can only use honourable vessels for honourable works. And there are certain characteristics that must be found in a vessel that God will use. Some of the qualities and attributes that God seeks in a vessel are discussed below:

Salvation from sin This is the foremost demand from God. A man or woman who will be used by God must be born again. Jesus Christ must reign supreme in his life. Salvation from sin is the basic qualification for rendering acceptable services to God, not conformity to church rules and regulations, not talents and ability to sing and play musical instruments in the church or holding of ecclesiastical positions in the church. Purity of life Many Christians treat their relationship with God with levity. They failed to understand that God is a God of purity and therefore does not condone immorality of any shade and type. A Christian who maintains a pure life is a delight before God and will constantly find favour in the presence of God. There are young men and women who claimed to be after God's heart yet are neck deep in fornication, lesbianism, cohabitation with the opposite sex, as carnal as the word carnal and are also given to lewdness of various forms. Such breeds of 'Christians' cannot please God. God seeks for a man or woman with a pure heart. Commitment Many youths render services to God without commitment. Half-hearted services and eye services do not receive the applause of heaven. A man may render services to God without deep-rooted commitment. He may receive the applause and recommendations of men. However, when his service is tried with fire (1 Corinthians 3:13), very little of the service may passed God's yardstick of measurement. Commitment is the hallmark of Christian service and God seeks it in a vessel that will make a difference in this generation. Humility and submission Humility has been defined as the quality of being modesty or respectful. It is an attribute that has been misconstrued to mean to genuflect, curtsy or and salute. These three are essential to the character of a Christian. However, they all fall short of true humility. The Biblical concept of humility goes deeper than that. Humility is the opposite of pride, a problem of many men and women of God today. A Christian who is self-will and has become proud due to his earthly achievements, education, fortune, talents, outward endowments or 'power of god' in his life, will not remain a vessel in God's hand. God hates pride (James 4:6, 10). God seeks humility in a vessel He wants to use.

Courage This is another essential quality of a vessel that God will use. It takes courage to turn away from sin, and more courage to continue faithfully in this chequered life. True courage is different from arrogance, foolhardiness or sadism. It takes courage to continue to serve God faithfully in these difficult times. All through history, only courageous men and women have made impact in the kingdom of God. Joshua, Caleb, Moses, Ruth, Peter and Paul were courageous for the kingdom. God seeks courage in His workers (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9). Courage of heart will make a man or woman say no to sin. Christians need moral courage, intellectual courage and emotional strength to withstand the vagaries that comes with Christian living in these last days. Prayerfulness If a man claims courage, commitment and all other virtues without a prayerful lifestyle, will he succeed in the harsh weather of victorious Christian living? NO. Prayer caps everything in the Christian's life. The raging war between the kingdom of light and darkness require a sturdy prayer life. Prayer remains the master key. God seeks vessels that are committed to prayer. Faith The whole chapter of Hebrews 12 is devoted to the exploits of faith. Faith is the opposite of fear but they can be defined in the same way. Faith is believing that what you have not seen will come to pass. Fear is believing that what you have not seen will come to pass. However, God seeks vessels that are filled with faith for the impossible. There a host of other attributes that God seeks in vessels He want to use for His glory. However, a man or woman who is an embodiment of the aforementioned qualities will do exploit for God's kingdom. God is seeking for such vessels.