A Rare Diamond? You Choose...
One of the purposes of work is that it is a means to building character.
The process of growth at the worst times is painful and at the best times is unglamorous.
Have you watched your plants grow at home? They grow out of obscurity – dark, dirt and damp places. It is not pleasant at all. But, we love the fruit of growth!!
It is the same with us. God puts us in challenging situations to help us grow and develop in character, virtue and grace.
At work we are sometimes subjected to intense pressure, difficult people or challenging problems; or all of the above.
Over this weekend we have seen a lot of diamonds. The emblems of royalty that were on display at our late Queen Elizabeth II's laying in state were impressive. The royal crown, the orb and the sceptre were breathtakingly beautiful.
Have you ever thought of how diamonds are formed?
“Simply put, diamond formation occurs when carbon deposits deep within the earth (approximately 90 to 125 miles below the surface) are subject to high temperature and pressure. Some stones take shape in a matter of days or months, while others take millions of years to materialize.”
Just like the houseplant, diamonds are formed in obscurity but unlike a plant which is delicate and easily disposable; diamonds are the hardest of any natural material, hence the need for the highest pressure and heat conditions.
What do you want to become? A common houseplant or a rare diamond?
Your response will determine how you also respond to the intense pressure, challenging problems or difficult people you face at work.
Our Late Queen endured all the turbulances, trials, testings and tribulations over 70 decades of her life and service. She was the epitomy of a rare diamond who had persevered through immense heat and pressure over time, and had come out sparkling with faith, virtue and grace.
We also see it in the pages of the bible.
The vessels God chose to use the most went through refining tests, trials and tribulations. Who should we mention? Moses? Joseph? David? Apostle Paul? Apostle John? Sarah? Esther? Ruth? Mary? We could go on and on...
So be encouraged.
The following scriptures help us while in the process of God working and forming us into His precious and rare diamonds:
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. James 5:3-5
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not
lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:2-5
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good... Genesis 50:20
- Elizabeth Ukiomogbe.
