Recently while chewing on the words of James who was writing to the twelve scattered tribes, I was contemplating purification. This process, through testing our faith, ultimately leads to our sanctification which will happen when we reach our eternal home.
A diamond is formed when carbon atoms bond together under extreme pressure and temperature deep within the Earth’s mantle, causing the carbon to crystallize into a diamond structure; this process takes millions, if not billions, of years to occur naturally.
Like diamonds, our souls undergo a similar process. Under pressure, in the deep of our life, we fight for Gods will for us and not conform to our sinful ways. What a gift it is that the Holy Spirit is working within to purify me from my perfectionism tendencies so Christ can be perfect in me. I walk in faith, as a beloved daughter, towards maturity in love.
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1, MSG)
Smitten With Goodness 