Today as we consider how to keep a proper outlook, let’s think about valuable metals. When gold and silver are mined from the ground they are in a raw state. They must be refined multiple times before their full value can be achieved. So, it is with all believers who move through life’s process toward holiness. We know that when God wants us to understand something, He makes it simple and straightforward. It is the same with the life journey and process. Since we live in an imperfect world and lead imperfect lives, we need to be refined and groomed before we take our place in the Heavenlies.

Here is a brief synopsis of how Deity cleans us up: “I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’” (Zechariah 13:9) This refinement by fire is not just an Old Testament concept. It is repeated in the New Testament also.  Refinement cannot be accomplished without heat.

Life’s “heat”, which is our suffering, pressure, and stress, comes in the form of pain, anger, disappointment, frustration, broken promises, forgotten goals, and faded dreams—each of which can lead to depression. Yet, this passage also offers great encouragement. The verses end, “and they will say the Lord is our God.” That guarantee illustrates that we can count on God when the heat is at its most scorching temperatures and we desperately need comfort and guidance. The assistance will be justified, not because of what we have done, but because of our position within the family of God!

Consider this description of how your reaction to suffering, pressure, or stress will look at that time:  “If any man builds on this [Christ’s] foundation using gold, silver [polished metals representing the results of refinement during the universal process], costly stones, wood, hay, or straw [representing our half-hearted effort to do the right thing], his work will be shown for what it is, because the day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” 1Corinthians 3:12 – 15  So we make the choice of whether to let the universal process build what will withstand the judgment fires, or to simply escape with our soul. Success will always be achieved if we wake up and face each day’s refinement with the proper Kingdom attitude. Here is what we should preach to ourselves every morning:

My position is secure. Today I must simply walk through whatever darkens my path. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, there is light ahead. Not a light that implies an end to the challenge, but rather a light that adds purpose to my perseverance and leads to eternal light. Every believer walks down dark and lonely paths at one time or another, and I am no different. I would rather walk in the dark with the Spirit of God than walk in the light on my own.

Without this kind of security, no believer will be able to confront or complete life’s journey with the joy promised by Scripture.

Do you have the right perspective about your own spiritual position? Almost everyone, at some point in their journey, compares themselves with or wants to be like a current day, historical, or Biblical Superstar. However, we don’t live in Biblical times, but we can think with the same mindset that scripture was written with: a 10:1 ratio of positive to negative. Think positively – that’s why we have 2000+ promises to be blessed. Just choose one a day, then repeat!

Dad’s prescription!