“I want them to turn from their evil ways and live…: Ez 18:23
The English language can be amazing. Take for example the words EVIL and LIVE and VILE. They all have the same letters, yet such different meanings. What if each letter stood for another word, is there a message in that?
E – everyone
V- vessel
I- instinct
L- living
Evil is selfish, it turns inward and only thinks of, well the self. It has no regard for others. Everyone becomes a vessel to be used, instinctively so you can live. This breeds greed, envy, jealousy, lust, anger and pride.
Being vile is to be a vessel to instinctively live in spite of everyone else. Vile is corruption of the vessel. It corrupts our lives. The vessel becomes a holder for evil, it is tainted and distorted.
Live puts life over instinct so you become a vessel for everyone. You put others wellbeing first over your own needs. Mothers bring life to their children from their own bodies. They have given a part of themselves biologically and will emotionally as long as that child lives. Mothers almost instinctually put their children’s needs over their own. You see that in nature all the time. You can take it further and say mothers become a VEIL- they cover their kids in protection by being a vessel for each so they can instinctively live.
Now replace the Instinct with Offering and you have LOVE. As humans it is instinctual that we do what we can to survive. Christ, instead became an Offering and gave his life for us. He asks us to do the same.. Living as an Offering Vessel for Everyone is the command for every follower of Christ. The irony? In doing so, we get life back- eternal life where evil and vile things have no place.
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Lord, Renew in me daily the desire to be an offering to You so I can be used to help others. Fill me with your eternal love so I can fight off my human nature, my instincts to be selfish, angry, envious, or prideful. Let me be Your Vessel – fill me with love for everyone you put in my path. I pray this through Your Son who is my example, my Saviour and my life. Amen.
