Refining is not an easy process, especially for the things that are being refined.
Grains are refined by grinding and sifting.
Silver is refined by fire.
And we are refined in much the same way.
Isaiah 48:10 says, “See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.”
Ouch.
The refining process is usually painful.
So what’s the point?
Why do we sing words like “Refiner’s fire, my heart’s one desire…”? Do we want to hurt?
No, we want to be holy, and that’s what refinement does. It removes impurity and creates purpose.
“Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel.” (Proverbs 25:4)
When our sins have been purified by the blood of Christ, we become earthen jars his Spirit fills.
And, as he fills us, purifying us day by day, we become useful vessels that belong to him.
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