Transform your PROBLEMS into PEARLS

As born-again Christians we are the center of attention because we are in the world even though we are not of the world. Our individual lives are the subject of intense scrutiny by everyone. People observe and criticize everything we do just as the religious leaders did Christ Jesus when he lived among them. Sometimes, our most severe critics are often our fellow Christians who view our actions, catch our words, analyze and take them to pieces. What does the scripture say?

John 15:18-20
King James Version (KJV)
18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

When we are under the microscope like this, being dissected with the proverbial scalpel, let us remember John 15:18-20 as well as take a lesson from the Pearl Oyster.

The pearl oyster is invaded by a hurtful particle, which it cannot get rid of by itself. What does it do? The oyster secretes a precious substance from its own essence, covers the unwanted intruder with it and over time turns the intrusive particle into a splendid pearl. The particle’s hurtful power over the oyster eventually ends.

Charles H. Spurgeon said: "Oh, that we could do so with the provocations we receive from our fellow Christians, so that pearls of patience, gentleness, and forgiveness might be bred within us by that which otherwise would have harmed us."

When these provocations come, when these challenges arise, let the love of Christ Jesus within your spirit be secreted around each problem. Let the essence of Christ's love ooze from you, seize each hurtful particle and transform it into a pearl of great value for all to see.

God Bless You!