Chisel

  I recently led our small group discussion this week. We discussed purification and why it is important to constantly allow God to purify our hearts. Luke 6:45 says "What you say flows from what is in your heart". We all have junk inside of us that may come up unexpected in trying situations at work, school, or life in general. Sometimes, when we respond in a "non-Godly" way, we are left trying to figure out why we responded as such. It happens. It's normal for the flesh to act that way. However, it does not mean that it can not be controlled.

  When God begins to purify us, it is not an easy task. In fact it hurts! All of that junk has to be taken out so that we can be "a special utensil for honorable use"(2 Tim 2:21). The shame and pain is all worth it in the end despite what the process feels like.

  All of this sort of flows with what I've been thinking of today.

  Just before my lunch break today, I asked my co-worker whom I work really close with everyday about my performance at the company. I do this every so often so that I can be the best that I can be at what I do. Let me tell you, it was not easy hearing some of the things. Granted, it was not HUGE things, but merely things I can improve on and keep in mind. I asked for it, so why did I feel so low?

  I believe when we put ourselves in a meek and humble position to take criticism and correction, we have a huge fight in front of us to keep our prideful nature from rising up and debunking anything someone else says.   At least that is what I think.  I would be lying if I did not think thoughts like, "I do that already! How do you not notice?" I really did not expect that conversation to have this affect on me, but it is what I need to become better at what I do.

  I watched this video a while back entitled "God's Chisel". It was a great illustration of what we feel when God is sculpting us into his workmanship. Like I described earlier, it is not a glorifying feeling, but actually quite opposite. Humbling. But in the end we can look back and say that it truly was for our well being. My co-worker pointing out things I can do better is what helps me to become a better athletic trainer. God's chiseling away of junk in our lives is what helps us to be better Christians. Every time we open ourselves up for purification  it becomes a tad bit easier to make it through the fire that ultimately refines us.

Until next time,

-Christian

"I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold..." -Zechariah 13:9

P.S.: I am attaching a link to the video, "God's Chisel" by the Skit Guys. Check it out.

http://skitguys.com/videos/item/gods-chisel