Jade Cannot Become a Gem Without Polishing

# Jade Must Be Polished to Become a Precious Stone

The ancients had a saying: "Jade must be polished to become a precious stone; people must study to understand the principles of life." This teaching conveys to us that rough jade stones, if not polished, cut, and shaped properly, cannot become precious gems of value. It is the same with people. Each person is a precious gem. If we do not learn from good teachers or friends, if we are not trained and refined through life's daily trials and hardships, then we cannot become people who understand the principles of living righteously and become useful to society.

Raw jade is no different from a pebble or stone—appearing rough and ordinary on the surface. But after polishing and cutting, it reveals a brilliant, radiant beauty that captures everyone's attention, admiration, and wonder. Every person has innate talents and abilities. Like raw, ugly jade mixed among pebbles and stones, no one notices it or recognizes its true nature. If we do not go through the storms of life, overcome difficulties and obstacles, learn to rise again after stumbling and failure, then we cannot cultivate our will, nurture our talents, or develop our character.

As Christians, we too must go through trials and difficulties on our journey following Jesus. Only then do we become the "precious gems" that God intended us to be, according to His good and perfect plan for us. The Apostle James said, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:2-4). Through trials of faith, God refines us and equips us with virtues and precious experiences—perseverance and patient endurance—to overcome all trials by His almighty power. God knows the strength of each person and does not allow anyone to be defeated by trials when they completely rely on His help. As the Apostle Paul expressed it, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

God does not promise us that following Him means walking on a smooth, comfortable path free from all calamities, difficulties, and trials. But He does promise that He will always be with us everywhere: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). King David experienced this promise. Therefore, he always trusted firmly in God and said, "I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved" (Psalm 16:8); "He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved" (Psalm 62:6).

Let us thank God for allowing us to go through trials so that we become useful instruments in God's hands: "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" (2 Timothy 2:21). Like raw jade stones, we need to live according to God's Word in all circumstances of life, whether favorable or adverse. Through this, our faith is strengthened and refined, and we become precious gems or precious vessels—holy things in God's hands, used by Him most effectively. We should "endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops" (2 Timothy 2:3-6).

We pray that God helps us serve Him wholeheartedly in both favorable and adverse circumstances. We ask for strength to learn patience and endurance, to overcome all trials, calamities, and difficulties with all our might. May our faith grow, be tested, and be equipped like a good soldier, a warrior in the spiritual battlefield, a hard-working farmer waiting patiently for harvest. May His Holy Spirit sanctify our lives so that we become "precious gems" radiating the Gospel of His salvation to all people, from now until the day Jesus Christ returns! Amen!

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:2-4).

Hardship and trials may come, Yet fear not, for the Lord is near, With steadfast endurance and patience true, We walk with joy in His way so clear! Become a soldier, equipped and strong, Live so that conscience feels no shame, Proclaim the Gospel, fight the fight, For all eternity, Christ's glorious name!

Topics