Diamond in the Rough

“Diamond in the rough” might not be a familiar phrase to you. The diamond (as we know it) begins as a black, jagged, diamond laden rock embedded in the earth’s crust that has been subjected to extreme heat and pressure for perhaps millions of years. However, the said stone lacks the refinements necessary to be placed in a ring. First, it has to be meticulously dug from deep inside the earth.

To fulfill its purpose as a ring enhancement, which is to adorn the hand of its bearer; the gem cutter chips away slag, then painstakingly grinds off jagged edges until the shine comes through. Like that diamond we, too have to be cleansed. Much like the diamond, we, too have to be dug from the bedrock of iniquity that was our plight at conception. Once free from the dominion of sin, via the Cross at Calvary we are ready for the Master’s hand. Upon receiving Christ, as developing Christians, though reluctantly, we must undergo necessary refinements to fulfill the Master’s predestined purpose set into motion in eternity, passed by the grace of God.

This transformation is perfected essentially by the awesome power of The Holy Spirit residing in each of us. He sands away drug addictions, alcoholism, as well as adultery. He then grinds away intangible moral imperfections that we are powerless to even attempt to correct such as pride, covetousness, and greed, and let’s not forget the seriousness of unforgiveness. At this point, the potential to fulfill God’s purpose begins to emerge. Finally, with a little polishing; self-righteousness and our reluctance to surrender self, will emerge totally to the Master. And last, but not least, remnants of strongholds, characteristics of unrenewed mind sets, and other impurities that impede our progress, are ultimately cast out. At long last, much like the diamond, that is equipped to adorn the hand of the bride, we as the bride of Christ (The Church) are ready to fill the unique spiritual niche ordained by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.