I found a beautiful vase at a thrift store, I couldn’t believe the price for what appeared to be a perfect vessel; of course I couldn’t pass up such a bargain. I visualized it setting on my table with a wonderful arrangement of flowers, the sunlight accenting both the vessel and flowers. So excited with my purchase I stopped on the way home and purchased a bouquet of flowers; an array of colors that put a smile on my face. I had one goal, to decorate my home with the treasure I had found. After carefully preparing the water in the vessel and placing the flowers in it I stepped back to survey my handy work.

On the surface everything was just as I expected it to be, however; after a few minutes I noticed a very small puddle of water on my table where the vase was setting looking so perfect. My first thought was that I had wasted it, not thinking much about it I wiped up the water and began another task. Once again my eyes fell upon the beautiful flowers just to see a even larger puddle then before; something is wrong was what my mind was telling me now, action was required. After carefully removing the flowers and water I examined the vase, I couldn’t see one single flaw, yet; each time I replaced the water, it leaked.

I thought about life and how sometimes as Christians our outward appearance seems to be flawless; we say the right words, smile seamlessly, warmly shake hands and give the impression of acceptance to everyone we encounter. Every now and then the secret thoughts of the heart slip through the unseen cracks; she really thinks she is something, not said with malice but not with love. He is always trying to get the best position, the power; not said with malice but not with love. The tongue is a small member, but; holds the power of life and death. It can assassinate the character with a few words. It’s like throwing the rock that shatters the window then hiding your hands so no one can see who threw it.

Just a little gossip shared in the right circle can spread like wildfire, but the lips from which it fell is now silent. Character flaws hidden behind a flawless façade, little black spots on the heart we fail to recognize, repent from and ask our Father’s forgiveness. We don’t see the pain in the Potters eyes knowing the vessel He made with love and care needs to be remolded, yet; He is willing without hesitation to remove the flaws and refine the vessel. 2Timothy2:20-22 enlightens us with these words, “but in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor”.

21 “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Only the Father can change the heart, remove the dark spots no matter how small; but , we must be willing to admit they exist and ask Him to do the work of refining us through His Spirit. Jesus opened the door to the Father’s house so that we wouldn’t be afraid to come to Him with our needs, knowing without any doubt He loves us and will welcome us with open arms. Only when we submit to His cleansing blood will the flawless façade be erased and we can be remade into an honorable vessel.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace