Diamonds Are Forever
Monday, January 5, 2026
“It’s not how you start that matters, it’s how you finish.” – Anonymous
Today, somewhere deep in the ground in South Africa, a small piece of near worthless coal is being subjected to enormous pressure. A few centuries from now, someone may dig it out of the ground, but when they do, it will no longer be a worthless piece of coal. Instead, it will be a priceless diamond of exquisite beauty.
And yet, more painstaking work will still need to be done before the diamond can fulfill its true breathtaking potential. Here is how Charles Spurgeon describes that refining process, before applying its meaning to us as disciples of Jesus Christ.
“The rough-looking diamond is put upon the wheel of the gem-smith. He cuts it on all sides. It loses much – much that seemed costly to itself. The king is crowned; the diadem is put upon the monarch’s head accompanied by the trumpet’s joyful sound. A glittering ray flashes from that coronet, and it beams from that same diamond that was so recently fashioned at the wheel.”
“You may venture to compare yourself to such a diamond, for you are one of God’s people; and this is the time of the cutting process. Let faith and patience have their perfect work, for in the day when the crown is set upon the head of the King, eternal, immortal, invisible, one ray of glory shall stream from you. ‘They shall be mine, says the LORD of Hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession.’”
That’s right, my friend. Someday, you and I will be like jewels in our Master’s crown, reflecting His majesty and beauty for all eternity. But first, we must be purified in the refining fires and cut to perfection on the gem-smith’s wheel.
The process may be long, grueling, and painful, but it will be worth it all in the end. So, hang in there a little while longer and keep your eyes fixed on the glorious results.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 (BSB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
