Sapphires, diamonds and rubies are precious stones, but their true beauty can only be seen when they are polished. The first step in that process is to knock off pieces of debris with a hammer. Let’s look now at the second step.
The rock needs to be cut into a suitable shape for grinding, so a saw or cutter is used for this purpose. Water and oil is poured in during this process to prevent overheating. This is what God’s Word does in our lives. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
God wants to change our outward behaviour, but he knows this comes from what is inside us. His Word is able to penetrate into our hearts and reveal what our thoughts, attitudes and motives really are. Then, along with the water of his Word and the oil of the Holy Spirit, we are changed from the inside out! Let’s be like King David who prayed, “Create in me a pure heart, O God.”
