Move Over K-Tel
by Charlene Friesen

Every Christmas, without fail, K-Tel advertises their latest gizmo. "It slices, dices, adds, organizes - all in a compact package for only $29.99." With all due respect, K-Tel missed a corner of the market when they overlooked the practicality and persona of a potter's wheel.  "Who has time to make pottery?" you ask. Jesus does. He wants you to sit on the potter's wheel and go for a spin. Throw your shapeless form into the hands of the master potter. Be willing to say, "OK God, put your hands on this piece of clay and make me look just like you."

Asking God to shape your life submits a "hands on" policy. He's going to plunk you on the potter's wheel and lovingly mold your character. Character building, like pottery design, is a work in progress; it takes patience and hard work. A little push of the pride here, a little attitude sharpening there, all under the watchful eye of the potter. It hurts to be hard-pressed and prodded but it's a journey that all Christians traverse. Our spiritual backbone is molded to be straight and strong. Be thankful that God disciplines and teaches you - He already sees the beautiful work of art that you will become.

"A beautiful work of art?" you muse.  Perhaps you see yourself as an ashtray.  Imagine a potter painstakingly molding a vase only to have the sculpture buckle and collapse into a heap. Does he throw his hands in the air and scream, "This clay will never amount to anything; I'll just make an ashtray and be done with it!" No, he believes in his abilities and he will not give up. God will never give up on his design for your life and will continue to mold and fine-tune your character until you draw your last breath.

When you wholeheartedly give your life to God, a "hands off" policy is imposed. Don't bemoan stretching experiences, put them in God's lap. Do not handcuff yourself to personal trials.  Relinquishing tough times reveals an obedient heart and a trusting spirit. God will not disappoint. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it (I Thessalonians 5:24 NIV). God will never leave a partially finished work of art on the potter's wheel.

A potter's job does not end at the wheel. Drying, trimming, bisque firing and glazing are also part of the process. The pottery then has a final fire, which allows the product to become even stronger, and harder.

God, the refiner, wants to purify your character to become wiser, stronger, and more valuable. A beautiful creation will emerge from the fire, pleasing to the eye and a blessing to all. Psalm 138:14 NIV states that we have been fearfully and wonderfully made. God is a perfectionist who only wants and expects the very best.

Hop on the potter's wheel! God's design is second to none and He personally signs each unique creation - just look for His fingerprints. Beat that K-Tel!

 

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Copyright © 2002 by Charlene Friesen