It takes time to prepare precious stones, and many processes are used. The same is true in our Christian lives! It takes time for our lives to be changed, and God uses many different ways. One of the processes used to polish stones is the tumbler.
This is a barrel with abrasive materials and water in it, to which the stones are added. Once the machine is switched on it causes the stones to tumble around so they rub against each other and eventually become smooth.
Isn’t this similar to what happens in our lives when we are together with our families, and in the places where we work or study, and gather to worship? We rub up against one another! At times it is abrasive! And we don’t always find it easy. No wonder God tells us, ‘be kind to one another’,
‘bear with each other … forgive each other’, ‘submit to one another’, ‘live a life of love, just as Christ loved us.’
We are not changed in isolation! Rather we are changed as we seek to obey God’s word in our everyday life, in relationship with other people. Do you feel like you are in a tumbler right now? Don’t wait for God to change the other person – allow him to change you! Then you will begin to shine like a precious stone.
