2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us.
If the order doesn’t matter then we have a combination, if the order matters then we have a permutation. One can say that a permutation is an ordered combination.
Character development is not a random mix of virtues, values and vestibule of attributes but a step by step ordered combination of Holiness, Godliness and Righteousness. We will not be able to receive the end result if we don’t go through the process of surrender, suffering and submission. In short, there is no crown without the cross. There is no sainthood without suffering. As a bud blossoms into a flower before it becomes a small tender crop and then grows little by little into a matured fruit, we grow step by step and mature in Godly habits, behaviour and conduct.
The churchy Christian cliché for “suffering” is “refining”. Refining is a process of removing impurities from metal. Similarly, we must go through a process of refining through the fire of suffering to remove the impurities of sin, slackness and smugness. Romans 5:3-4 we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
Three benefits of the refining fire:
1. Oxidizes: Iron, copper, and lead are fire-refined by selective oxidation. In this process, oxygen or air is added to the impure liquid metal. The composition of impure mass of iron, (also ironically called “Pig Iron”) is 94% iron and 6% impurities. The molten metal is bathed by blowing high-tonnage oxygen gas to oxidize the impurities. Oxidation raises the impurities to the surface as skims that can be scrapped and removed. To beat the beast of ‘piggish self-centredness’ out of the soul, we must go through the suffering of disappointment, betrayal or rejection. Suffering oxidizes and refines our heart and mind from arrogance, egotism or conceit, hidden in our heart.
2. Purifies: The oxidized metal is then put through other purifying and refining operations such as fractional distillation or chemical refining. Similarly, we go through the distillation process from various scenarios. Refining starts at home. Tolerance, tenacity and tenderness are traits developed at a very early stage. We also go through different levels of distillation with various relationships, friendships and partnerships. Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. As iron sharpens iron, believers sharpen each other. Get around some believers today and watch yourself rise to new levels!
3. Strengthens: The finest steel has to go through the hottest fire – Richard M Nixon. Suffering strengthens us when we stay subservient in the hands of the Maker. As much as we dislike and detest suffering, it is the hardships of life that make us strong, stable and sturdy. Suffering can make us bitter if we see it outside the perspicacity of Christ but within the preview of the scriptures, suffering strengthens us to reflect the true nature of God’s tenderness. He permits suffering and the fire furnace experience to make us radiate the nature of His Son Jesus.
A little bit longer in the fiery furnace will make us strong, purified and tough. There is no crown without the cross.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help me to endure the permutation of cross before the crown and suffering before sanctification and sainthood. Amen
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