The Artist’s Integrity

The Artist’s Integrity

If at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.

Jeremiah 18:9-10

IN WORD The Potter is focused on outcomes. While He is spinning the wheel, softening the clay, cutting the design, and firing the kiln, He is preoccupied with one thing: what the piece will look like in the end. He may enjoy the process with some lumps of clay and find others tedious, but the process is insignificant in light of the value of the final image. The beauty of the art is in His mind the whole time.

In verses 7 to 10 of Jeremiah 18, God is focused on how His people finish. Not where we start, but where we end. If we start with apathy or rebellion but respond to His warnings, He blesses. If we start with responsiveness and end with rebellion or apathy, He reconsiders His blessings. Jesus made that clear in His parable of the two sons: one said he wouldn’t work in the father’s vineyard, then did; the other said he would, then didn’t (see Matthew 21:28-32). Only one, Jesus said, fulfilled his father’s plan.

That principle applies to nations—as in the books of Jeremiah and Isaiah—and to individuals, as in every biblical call to obedience. Our Potter is known for His extravagant mercy toward His clay. But clay meant for glory can end up in the trash. Extravagant mercy can be taken for granted and squandered.

IN DEED There’s a difference between faith and presumption, but Christians confuse them often. We take God’s promises for granted. True faith leads to gratitude and service; presumption leads to complacency. And God’s mercy is rarely grasped by the complacent.

Don’t presume on grace. If God has promised you blessing—and He has, you know—meet the conditions of the promise. Love Him, comply with Him, trust Him. In every detail of your life, follow His heart. In His integrity, the Potter will shape you not only according to His will, but also according to yours. Finish well.

Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth.

—A. W. TOZER