Refinement.
by Salim Abraham .
When we hear the word ‘refinement’, pain comes to our mind .We feel that refinement and pain go hand in hand – as they are supplementary and complementary to each other.
Refinement may come in many avatars – joy, grief, poverty, wealth etc.
We need to understand that joy and grief are two aspects of a singular process – refinement. Everyone comes to this world for the process of refinement and we get several opportunities to become refined .These opportunities can be roughly categorized into joy and grief. An example would be when one travels from the Australia to the USA, one traveler may stop in Africa while another may stop at Paris, but the destination remains the same.
When we are given the opportunity to refine ourselves through joyful experience we become proud and haughty believing that all the success and happiness coming our way are the fruits of our own hard work. We forget about the process of refinement which intends for us to find the reason behind us coming to this life. And we forget to search for the clues of our divine destiny or to make use of our present situations but we become more polluted and we end our progress and enter into a reverse mode.
In the same manner when somebody faces hardships he must understand that it is for his refinement, that it is not because of his fault and he should not feel guilty .This situation is also a process of refinement .
So we have to understand that our situations , the ones we face in our lives are for our refinement and progress .Once we understand this concept we will find the strength to face all these situations with the right attitude .Actually it is more easy for refinement to take place in an unhappy situation than a happy situation because when you are in a very happy phase with all the luxury in your life ,you indulge in happiness and luxury without even thinking of it .All these indulgences are only superficial and without the proper use of situation you start polluting your life .
When faced with a sad or unhappy poverty stricken situation you start blaming God. Until and unless you accept the situation you tend to pollute yourself with these toxic feelings. This is exactly why Jesus said it is very difficult for a wealthy man to go to heaven. He said and I quote “It is like a camel passing through the eye of a needle” .This explains that during the rich and luxurious situations refinement is very difficult .Because the beneficiary of the luxury and success will take everything for granted and he will believe that all of the trappings of luxury he enjoys is due to his own hard work .But only when he understands the fact that the situation he faces is for his betterment he starts becoming refined.
In the same manner when somebody faces hardships and he understands that it is for his refinement, the process of refinement is complete. So we have to understand that we are all passing through various situations by the grace of God for our refinement regardless of happiness or sadness .We must realize that this if for our refinement and we must utilize it for our growth .
Example 1: Someone is passing through a bout of sickness – be alert, think about the situation accept it and he must understand that God has allowed him to pass through this situation for his betterment.
Once the fact is fully understood, you will successfully complete the refinement process and will come out with flying colors. You might even completely recover from the situation God willing.
Example 2: In the same manner many will be passing through a very happy phase with all the trappings of luxury .You must realize that it is by the grace of God and not by your merit.
If you understand the facts fully these situations shall refine you otherwise they will pollute you. It is all in the attitude find the right attitude and realize the fact – sadness / happiness it is all brought about by the grace of God for our refinement .
Give and share what you have and thus you will be free if not you will live in bondage.
Enjoy .
Regards .
Praise God .
Salim Abraham .
Praise God .
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