Refined

Have you ever wondered what it means to be refined? Merriam-Webster defines it as being freed from impurities, to be fastidious or cultivated. Logically this implies a process, something done to something by someone that leads to the removal of substances and results in a new, pure, substance. What process takes place to refine a person?

In many cultures training, education and coaching takes place over many years to result in a person who society considers refined. That training often begins in childhood with instruction of proper manners and behavior. Later that child attends schools, universities or trade schools to learn to read, write, and develop a purpose or function in life. That child, now an adult, moves on to start a career and receives coaching from their employer or coworkers that helps to take all those previously learned lessons and traits and apply them, both to their work and to their lives. Overall this process takes a lifetime because every circumstance and experience lead to more lessons learned and changes made.

I once had someone tell me that seeking forgiveness and accepting Christ produced an instantaneous change in a believer – all the old behaviors and habits gone, never to be thought about or done again. At the time I was a relatively new Christian and was immediately doubtful of my salvation because I wasn’t perfect. Something about that statement didn’t ring true to me, but I couldn’t place why at the time in order to respond, so I just smiled and said nothing.

I went to my Bible and studied, sought opinions of other seasoned Christians, and prayed for wisdom and guidance. I now stand firm that the statement was only partially correct and very misleading – let me explain.

When we seek and receive forgiveness, how God sees us is instantly changed, because He sees us through Christ’s perfection. God sends the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts, and through the Spirit we are encouraged, cautioned, and further changed. “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26 NIV) Over time we begin to see things through Christ’s eyes rather than our own. We are shown things about God that make us look deeply at ourselves as we read and listen to God’s word and the sound teaching of it. We get that nagging feeling that we should or shouldn’t do something. We turn away from things that we may have enjoyed before because the Holy Spirit is working to remove our desire to disobey God, one impurity at a time. This process will continue throughout our lives.

Each time we face a temptation, or struggle to do what we know God would have us do, our faith is being refined. Through every loss, every gain, every tear, and every laugh, God is giving us an opportunity to learn how to be like Him, how to live like Jesus. “See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” (Isaiah 48:10 NIV). God allows us to experience difficulty for the opportunity to teach us and direct us on the path He would have us follow. “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17b NIV) Don’t be discouraged, instead take your challenges to God and ask Him to help you, to give you understanding and allow you to grow from each experience.

Heavenly Father, send us your Holy Spirit through Christ and teach us. Test us, Lord, and refine us through our challenges, direct us in the way we should go. Help us to praise you in the hard times, and thank you in the good times, for all that we have is given to us by you, our Holy God. Teach us your truths, forgive our sins, lead us through our lives, give us humble hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.