The Rock Tumbler

Have you ever used a rock tumbler? You put rocks in a barrel along with different grades of sand, from coarse to fine. The coarse sand chips away the corners of the rocks to make them into a common shape, whereas the fine sand polishes the rocks with a shiny surface.

In a similar way, we are in a rock tumbler. We can either choose to be with the coarse elements, "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like" (Gal 5: 19-21), or with the fine elements "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Gal 5:22-23). We have the choice.

With the rock tumbler, the rocks do not change quickly, it takes weeks or sometimes months. The acts of the sinful nature work on us gradually. We may not see any change initially, but over time it chips on us, wearing us down into someone unrecognizable.

"They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more." (Eph 4:18-19)

The fruits of the spirit have a different effect than the acts of the sinful nature. Instead of distorting our image it refines it, polishing us into a jewel.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" (Phil 2:14-15).

We can choose that which is coarse or fine. What do you choose to surround yourself with?

Jay Crook