Today's Scripture reading comes from Jeremiah 18:6, quoting from the NASB:
"'Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?' declares the LORD. 'Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.' "
How do you respond to shaping? I mean the kind of shaping that causes you to conform fully to the one doing the shaping. Some of us conform better than others. As leaders, do you reflect the positive image you desire to see in your followers?
"Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand." When the potter is satisfied with his work, he displays it for use and admiration. The potter only reshapes the clay when the clay fails to conform to the image the potter intends to fashion. My heart's cry is to be a vessel fitted for His purposes. If that necessitates reshaping, I am in the faithful potter's hand.
So it is with the believer. Jesus declared, "You did not choose Me but I chose you..." God calls us for specific purposes and each purpose comes with an expectation. Though God may deal with us (the clay) as He pleases, we need not be anxious or apprehensive of His molding as we present ourselves to Him in total submission to His skillful hand.
What behavior might warrant reshaping? "Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, ... those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
Conversely, a leader led by the Spirit walks in "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control." The latter is a picture of clay conforming to the potter's hand. The one who does the deeds of the flesh is a candidate for reshaping. Good leaders love it when followers comply and excel. Be the leader your followers can emulate.
// Points to Ponder
Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.
When we find ourselves not conforming to the potter's hand, but leaning more toward the pull of the flesh, review this performance check:
// About the narrator
Chris Blake is a retired Captain in the United States Navy and serves as OCF Chief of Staff. In his role, Chris is responsible for the daily management, supervision, and oversight of all organizational wide activities. This includes direct management of all home office support activities, supervision of conference center directors, and of all field operations that execute ministry programs and initiatives serving member officers and their families through our lay-led and staff led outreaches on university campuses, military bases, military academies, and conference centers.
// Purchase a Copy
Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.
