Thirty-five years ago this December my wife and I were married.

    I can still remember all the flurry of activities surrounding that happy occasion. We were both full-time college students, even during the summer. On our trips home, we did all the planning, shopping, calling and writing that it takes to make a wedding happen.

    One of those traditional activities is picking out a china pattern. While we picked a fairly modest choice, like for most couples, this was one of the most expensive choices. Their value alone made it special; but because this was our pick, this china, these dishes, were a kind of symbol of the special relationship we still have.

    When these dishes appear, I know it’s a special occasion. And I always have a special feeling when I see them. These dishes remind me of all the wonderful memories of that special time when we received them and all the memories of the last thirty-five years.

    We’ve had lots of other dishes — melamine, pottery, Tupperware^® and even paper. We’ve had several sets of hand-me-downs from loving parents. Lots of those dishes have made the short trip to the floor and shattered into pieces. The pieces also made the short trip to the trash can with no fanfare. Not much was said about the event ,and they weren’t missed for very long, if at all.

Have you ever realized that God considers you fine china?

    On the other hand, even a chip on our china is a big deal. As the years pass, the pattern has been discontinued and the pieces have become expensive, if not impossible, to replace. These dishes are precious to us.

    Have you ever realized that God considers you fine china?

“In a large house some dishes are made of gold or silver, while others are made of wood or clay. Some of these are special, and others are not. That’s also how it is with people. The ones who stop doing evil and make themselves pure will become special. Their lives will be holy and pleasing to their Master, and they will be able to do all kinds of good deeds.” (2 Timothy 2:20-21)

    God makes it possible for us to be fine china. He provided the sacrifice to cover our sins. He freely gives His Spirit to his children to provide the power to leave evil behind and live in the purity of His constant love.

    So, remember, when temptation comes, that you’re fine china and God wants you to be used for special occasions only.

    You’re a real dish!

© 2002, Ken Dillman. Used by permission.

Title: "You're a Real Dish"
Author: Ken Dillman
Publication Date: May 31, 2002

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