6 You rejoice in this,[a] even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials 7 so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7 CSB)
I was recently somewhere around a lot of very refined people. Or, at least, that is how they would describe themselves I am sure. If this definition would hold true I was the veritable sow’s ear among silk purses. And I am ok with that.
No, I do not think many would refer to me as refined. I am sure my children and wife would echo this. I am rough, a bit gruff, and I have to work hard to remain politically correct. But I do believe that I have been refined and am being refined in a different forge, and I have very little use for the other type of refinement. Maybe I should, but it is just not who I am in any way, shape or form.
God makes each of us in a form or fashion of His desire. We think we have a bigger hand than we really might in where and how we are formed in this life. This may seem harsh as, I know, many have dealt with hardships growing up. But when we shift our focus to life being the Forger’s fire we must ask what is God forging us for. Sadly, this question is often asked far too late in life.
Maybe your refinement is far different than you think and you need to ask God what is He refining you for.
