Diamonds are precious. They start off insignificant but become valuable after enduring intense pressure and heat. The material? Simple carbon. Usually, pressure and heat come from the earth over time. Diamonds can be made artificially much faster, but the process remains the same: apply pressure and heat to the right material. Christian growth works similarly: the right stuff enduring life’s stresses and the heat of purification. Are you a godly diamond in the making?

You may be a God-desired diamond if … You know God and respond accordingly. Understanding God and His nature is simple: it’s all throughout the Bible (just study it and spend time with more-mature Christians)! You’ll discover He’s kind and just (fair but firm). His Spirit will gladly help you understand Him fully (Luke 10:21 and John 14:26). Our response? Purity (1 Corinthians 6:20). Devotion and charity (Matthew 22:30-35). Justice and mercy (Micah 6:8). Discipleship (e.g., Matthew 28:18-20). Obedience: “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.” (1 John 2:3). Follow (John 10:27). But you can’t keep or follow what you don’t know or ignore! Stay the course, and God will know you, too.

You may be a God-desired diamond if . . . God knows you because you know Him and respond as He desires. “But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God . . .” (Galatians 4:9) and “But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” (1 Corinthians 8:3). Hint: You can’t love what you don’t know!

You may be a God-desired diamond if… You know God, and He knows you, and your relationship helps you endure life’s pressures. God didn’t say we’ll never suffer in this world (in fact, it’s the opposite!). Still, He promised to walk with us (see, for example, Matthew 5:4). Understand that pressure is necessary for growth and hope: “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4 (and James 1:2-4)).

You are a God-desired diamond if you know God, God knows you, and you remain faithful to Him despite incredible pressure. For instance, Jesus said that if we love Him, we’ll stay steadfast in our relationship, and that He and the Father will do the same with us in return (John 14:23 and 15:4-10).

In summary, get to know God and stay connected with Him so He recognizes you as well. Then, endure, remain committed, and set a positive example for others. The results? “Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3). Keep shining, godly diamonds! What’s next? Ever feel like you’re spinning your spiritual wheels? Me too! Let’s imagine doing donuts in a spiritual parking lot.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.