During the process of refining metals, the raw metal is heated by fire until it melts. The impurities then separate from it and rise to the surface, and they’re skimmed off, leaving the pure metal underneath. Without the heating and melting process there could be no purifying. But as the impurities are skimmed of the top, the reflection of the metal worker appears in the smooth, pure, surface underneath. And similarly with us, as we are sanctified or purified by God, which is an ongoing process, His reflection in our lives becomes more and more clear to those around us.

During the process of refining metals, the raw metal is heated by fire until it melts. The impurities then separate from it and rise to the surface, and they’re skimmed off, leaving the pure metal underneath. Without the heating and melting process there could be no purifying. But as the impurities are skimmed of the top, the reflection of the metal worker appears in the smooth, pure, surface underneath. And similarly with us, as we are sanctified or purified by God, which is an ongoing process, His reflection in our lives becomes more and more clear to those around us.