God is the Potter, and we are the clay (Jer 18:6; Is 64:7). However, because we are living, free clay, we can choose not to cooperate with God. In that case, what the Potter is making turns out badly, and He will start over again (Jer 18:4). The Lord insists on quality (see 1 Cor 3:12-15). In fact, at the end of the world, lives of godly quality will be judged "worthwhile" (Mt 13:48), while those with unfruitful lives of low quality will be hurled "into the fiery furnace, where they will wail and grind their teeth" (Mt 13:50).
The quality which the Lord expects in our lives is humanly impossible to attain, but the Lord will take over our lives and transform them to the highest quality. We need only be like Mary and let it be done to us according to God's Word (see Lk 1:38). Godly quality is a matter of His grace and our obedience. The Potter will make of each of us a masterpiece if we but accept His grace and let ourselves be cleansed of evil things (2 Tm 2:21). Therefore, give your life to Jesus, the only Way (see Jn 14:6) to quality and eternal happiness.
| PRAYER: | Father, when fire tests the quality of my life (1 Cor 3:13), may I be approved. |
| PROMISE: | "Praise the Lord, O my soul; I will praise the Lord all my life." –Ps 146:1-2 |
| PRAISE: | John has turned down job offers that would have interfered with his ability to adore Jesus in the Eucharist each week. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College