Gold Narrative

I looked down at the pan I had in my hand with deep anticipation. It was filled to the brim with gold covered in speckled dark pieces. I placed it above the flame without any fear or doubt, I knew this stuff could endure the hottest heat. I used the finest metal which guaranteed a perfect purity of gold (after obvious refining of those speckled pieces). As I waited on the impurities to rise to the top of the gold, I carefully scraped the first layer off. A thin layer of dark gunk melted off my knife and fell to the scrap pile. The first always seems fairly easy, but the larger imperfections rise up as the heat increases. I patiently waited as the impurities rose and were ready to be removed. I was intent on keeping watch for when I knew the gold was ready to be purified and not a moment too soon. The next several hours of this ensued, and I was beginning to notice a glimmer of my reflection in the gold. The intensity of the heat reached its maximum, calling for my utmost attention and resulting in the collection of a few large pieces of scrap. I had to wipe my forehead clean of the sweat that drenched it. The high heat and large pieces made this process significantly more challenging. However trying it was, I knew the result far outweighed the work. A final few layers of impurity, and I removed my gold from the heat. I peered down into the radiating material and saw a clear reflection of my face in it. This reflection was only possible with perfectly pure gold. The flame flickered out and the gold beautifully glowed in the light. Now I was sure the refining process was complete. A deep sense of pride swelled in my chest while tears of joy and honor filled my eyes and dropped on the floor near my feet. I had never seen anything so perfectly representing the work of my hands. My toil in gardens, farming, and science paled in comparison to this. Gold was my truest work of art, and the only that could truly reflect my own face.

1 Pt 1:6-7 NLT

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”

This description of the goldsmith signifies our lives as believers and followers of Christ. We are gold in the hands of God, meticulously worked on over the scalding flame of life. Our formation and perfection is only possible through this fire, in spite of the seemingly unbearable heat at times. The intensity is what removes the darkest and clunkiest imperfections. The process is slow and tedious, requiring patience and constant repetition. Our heart, mind and soul must be completely conformed to the image of Christ before we ever reach the point of perfect reflection. Each layer of impurities is a necessary step towards the final product.

God doesn’t create without an intent to perfect. God purposes our lives, and he uses all things for his final glory. When we witnessed the sacrifice of Christ, we witnessed the eternal declaration that all things will be finished in him. Which, to me, means all things will be ultimately perfected under the will of God. Jesus completed this work on our behalf, forever sealing our broken hearts with a promise to redeem. This redemption lasts a lifetime, and is gloriously led by the Holy Spirit. Our hearts slowly and carefully are refined until they perfectly reflect the image of our creator. His image beheld in us is an accomplished work.

To be truly glad when trials come is not easy. It’s not our instinct. However, I think when we can really see the promise of Jesus then we begin to understand this feeling of gladness. It’s not a happy, “yay! I get to endure yet another struggle this month! I’m so blessed!” No. I don’t believe that is the type of joy Peter was referring to. It’s something more like, “I am too weak. Lord, it is up to you to show me how to walk in this. How will you reveal your redemption?” Then waiting with expectant anticipation for his promised revelation. Gladness is a well deserved reward after experiencing the compilation of grief, sorrow, and fear. We can only genuinely feel glad when we’ve seen hope rise out of hopelessness. Afflictions do not unintentionally come and go like the wind. They come with purpose and they go with transformation. Afflictions are tools in God’s hands. They’re carried by intense heat, which is intended to shape and purify our hearts. If we can learn to welcome this heat, and even press into the flames, then we could learn how it actually serves us. We’d soon find that we can take advantage of the heat, and even develop spiritual eyes to discern our impurities. Then we may learn to work alongside God in finding these impurities and drawing them out by his gracious help.

Take a minute to remember your last trial, or maybe a current trial you’re enduring. Only you know the level of intensity, the size of the flames, and the depth of its impact on your life. You may be in the wreckage of ashes right now, just trying to see through the smoke and flames. Or you may be steady enough to sort through the remains, waiting to see what valuables you may find. My encouragement is this- resolve to search every corner of your heart for new reflections of God Himself. How is he revealing his face more clearly than before? Pay attention, because that’s the work that reaps gladness. That’s the glory and praise and honor that we explode with at the coming of Christ.