The melting point of silver is 1,700 degrees. Once it’s liquid, the refiner can begin his work of removing impurities from the metal. Each time the silversmith stirs the silver, dross comes to the top where it is skimmed off and burned up by the refiner’s fire. The smith does it again and again, until no dross remains and he can see his full reflection in the molten metal.

Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel.

Proverbs 25:4

Just as even the smallest particle can render the silver impure, so a small sin can mar Christ’s reflection in one of His followers. The Lord says He is like a refiner’s fire. Not a forest fire, indiscriminate in its destruction, or an incinerator fire that reduces everything to ashes. When you feel the heat, know His intent is purifying your life, making you a vessel fit for His use.

America used to have silver as a standard for its monetary system and the Bible as its standard for the conduct of life. Silver was finally abandoned in 1963, and the Bible is in present danger of total governmental and public abandonment. Pray today for a return to righteousness through God’s Word, and for His refining fire to cleanse the nation.

Recommended Reading: Malachi 3:1-12