The process of Christian maturity is like making pottery.

We begin as Dirt with potential. We recognize we are sinners doing what dirt does. We have potential because while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. With the help of the Holy Spirit we receive Jesus & become willing to submit to being molded & shaped for the intended use of the potter.

We then become like Clay on the potters wheel. He begins to mold & shape us. This is a time of great intimacy & trust. We know He has a great plan for our lives. We begin to understand His love & He teaches us His ways. He also teaches us things about ourselves. We then begin to serve Him. Acts of service come from the desire to be with other Christians & part of what’s happening around us.

Then comes the First firing which is testing. The purpose is to cook out impurities. This then changes us from the inside out. Personal testing brings clarity of purpose, builds character, grows patience, & changes our behavior. Our new identity emerges. Family & friends may leave us.

Green ware, where the effort & talent of the artist is visible. There is evidence of Christ’s work & purpose in our life. We have been shaped & signed by the potter & the world recognizes the difference. This is where the fruit of the spirit can be grown. Beautiful, but fragile & not very useful. We can be broken & affected by the world. But also the potential for much service can be seen too. 

Glaze & final firing. 

Not to remove anything this time, but to protect from outside contamination. The Glaze is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, our second blessing. We now have power & purpose, & are equipped for all kinds of service. We are friends & co-laborers with Jesus & His mission. Though we may have evidence of suffering, & sacrifice in our service, we also have joy unspeakable & peace that passes understanding. Worldly things have less meaning & power. We are confident that when our purpose is complete, we will be with the Potter forever in Glory.