Turning Up The Heat

There are many metaphors to express the point you are trying to make in life.  In 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, the apostle Paul compares human bodies with jars of clay.  Unlike rich soils, clay is gooey, filled with various imperfections.  However, clay is unique in the sense you can mold it and fashion it into a special image.  Although, without fire your new creation will dry out, eventually breaking into bits and pieces.

Kilns were invented so that your new creations could last a lifetime, unless dropped or not taken care of properly.  If you desire a bisque firing, the kiln is set to 1750 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 hours.  If you want something like pottery glazed, the kiln is turned up to2300 degrees for 18 hours as well.  While the fire in a kiln does not eliminate all of clay’s imperfections, it does refine most of the clay particles causing defects to simply disappear.

If Paul is right about our bodies, then God is our Potter and we are the clay.  Each and every day God is slowly shaping and forming us into His very own image.  Once we reach certain stages in our lives, God turns us the heat, in the form of temptations, trials and tribulations.  If we fail, breaking up in the kilns of life, God starts over with a new lump of clay.  If we succeed, we will be ready for the next phase in life, our next assignment from God.  Regardless of where each of us are on our artistic journey, don’t be surprised the next time God turns up the heat.  Fire is necessary to burn off excess baggage, to test our faith and to reveal how genuine we really are, 1 Peter 1:5-7.

by Jay Mankus