The Bible tells us in several passages that God fashions us like new vessels and purifies His people like gold and silver.
While studying and listening to some sermons on this, I found a deeper meaning on the subject: the way gold looks after going through the fire.
Separated
For gold to be purified, it is placed at a high temperature for a certain time.
This metal is not found pure in nature; it is common to find it mixed with silver or other materials. Therefore, this purification becomes necessary.
It’s the same with us. We were created by God and received the identity of Christ in our lives. But we are in the world and we are human beings with flaws. God needs to separate us from what makes us unclean. We need to go through a long process of purification and refinement.
These steps hurt and don’t happen on our schedule. They occur at the right time and the correct temperature. It is not easy to be refined, and it is not painless to be purified, but God strengthens us at each moment of the process and promises us His protection.
Becoming a mirror
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27
But, after all, how do we know when gold is pure?
I discovered that the answer to this question is that the purity of gold is achieved when, in addition to the material becoming malleable, we can clearly see our reflection in it. It is totally pure when we can see ourselves in it as in a mirror.
That is why God prepares us like gold, so that it is possible to see Him clearly in us. Only by becoming a reflection of the Father are we truly pure.
He created us in His image and likeness, and He gave us an identity. It is in Him that we find the answers about who we are and where we are going. Everything we are comes from Him.
Reflecting grace
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
Hebrews 1:3
Allow yourself to be purified like gold, to become as the Lord is. Regardless of the pain the fire may cause, or the time it takes for us to be refined, make way for God’s plans and for everything He has to do in your life.
It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible. Seek Him and His presence, and you will see His hand taking care of every detail, strengthening and encouraging you day after day.
Be a reflection of God’s grace!
