We even rejoice in our tribulations, because we know that tribulation produces courage (Romans 5:3)
What makes a glossy apple look so delicious? The outer shell, of course. However, what really makes apples so delicious? Fruit juice and substances in it. That's the "character" of the real apple.
I learned this as a child, watching my mother make cider. With a wooden pounder, he pounded so many apples that they became soft after being blanched in a colander bowl. Underneath there is another bowl that holds the filter results. In the end all that was left in the colander bowl was the brown, muddy skin of the flattened apples. But oh, the cider is so delicious!
God uses the pressures of life to produce beautiful Christlike character in us. Tribulation (which means "pressure" in Greek) also helps us to recognize the potential of our terrible sinful nature and see it for what it is -- ugly and tasteless. Under pressure, all kinds of sins begin to surface -- greed, selfishness, lust, pride.
Whether it arises from an inner realistic perfectionism or not, stress is a fact of our fallen world. God controls the intensity and continuity of pressure so that we can recognize, acknowledge, and reject the outer "skin" that hinders the character of Christ to dwell within us.
Misery is not what man seeks. But when it comes, the Holy Spirit will use it to create in us fortitude, endurance, and hope (Romans 5:3,4) --DJD
THE BEAUTY OF A CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTER IS
FORMED BY PRESSURE AND REFINED BY STRUCTURE
FORMED BY PRESSURE AND REFINED BY STRUCTURE
*) Take from Daily Reflections