The Purpose in the Process: Trimming the Footer
Trimming
A Circumcision of the Heart
Last week in this Purpose in the Process Series, I shared about the formation of a vessel. Although the vessel has been formed, it is not the potter’s final vision. The potter cuts the clay form off of the wheel so that it can dry to a point where it will hold the form if pressed upon. Trimming the base or foot of the vessel is the next step in the process. To trim the clay form, the potter places the form upside down onto the center of the wheel and attaches it with wet clay pieces. Then, the potter takes a bladed trimming tool and cuts the bottom of the form until the excess clay is cut off and the foot (base) of the form meets the potter’s vision.
Why is trimming the footer important?
The foot of the vessel is the foundation on which it sits. If the footer is not even, the vessel can tip over. Trimming the footer also cuts off excess weight that is not necessary for the vessel to hold. For the vessel to become the vision of the Master Potter, the excess clay must be cut off.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
When I think about excess clay, I think about the weights and sin that clings to us. The weights could be fear, shame, unworthiness, the enemy’s lies, and unhealthy vows rooted in pain (more about this below). In essence, weights are anything that keeps us from becoming the vessel that God envisions us to be. God desires his creation to be freed from sin and weights that cling to us so that we can run the race toward God’s high calling in Christ Jesus.
Circumcision of the Heart
The weights and sin from Hebrews 12 dwell in the thoughts and intents of the heart. Like the excess clay or “weights” are foundational to the vessel, our thoughts and intentions are foundational to the way we live. Entering the trimming process and allowing the Master Potter to cut these weights and sin off of our lives can be painful. A lot of times, these ways of thinking and living are so much a part of us that we don’t realize they are hindrances until God reveals them to us.
The trimming tool represents the Word of God. Scripture says that God’s word is sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). The work of God and scripture circumcises our hearts by removing the weight and sin that hinders us from freedom in Christ. In God’s word, we find the truth about what God says regarding fear, shame, unworthiness, lies, and truth. Here we see that God has given us power, love, and clarity of thought, not fear. We see that Jesus’s blood covers every sinful moment when we repent. Through God’s word, we realize that we are unworthy in our own merit and strength, yet Jesus’ blood makes us worthy. We see that the devil is the father of lies, and Jesus is the truth. Whatever we believe about God or ourselves that differs from God’s word, is a lie. We cannot cut off the sin and weight in our own strength, but we can allow God and his word to cut the weight and sin off of us as we surrender. As the scripture below highlights, circumcision of the heart is by the Spirit of God.
A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God. Romans 2:28-29
Let’s talk for a moment about unhealthy vows made from pain. When we have negative experiences that hurt us, often we make vows to ourselves that we will never experience that situation again. I do not want to diminish the painful experience, but I want to prompt you to ask the Holy Spirit where the root of each vow you may have lies. Vows may sound like: “My Father was an alcoholic. I vow to never be like my Father so long as I live.” Or “My parents struggled with money my whole childhood. They couldn’t give me what I needed. I’m going to make sure money is never a problem for me and my kids have everything they need and more.” Although these vows are rooted in the betterment of family [which is an admirable thing], they can cause harm because they are rooted in the need to control future outcomes, which is produced by pain. They become a hindrance when they become the purpose for which we live. Instead of entrusting our future to God, we try to shape our own future. God desires to heal us of our emotional, mental, and physical pain. Instead of trying to control our future because of our past, God wants us to surrender to Him and allow Him to transform us and meet our needs. Jesus Christ didn’t live a life struggling for control. He lived out of intimacy with the Father, and out of this intimacy came healing power and provision. This is the high calling that scripture calls us toward - intimacy with and surrender to God. Through this intimacy with God and His Word, we are able to let go of the weight and sin that clings to us and be transformed into the Master potter’s vision for our lives.
Marked by the Potter
After trimming the vessel, the potter marks the base of the vessel with his signature. The potter already owns the vessel, but this mark shows the world that this vessel is claimed as the work of the potter. The potter is pleased with this work and wants to show the world this beauty that he has created. The practice of circumcision began as a covenant between God and Abraham - that he would be set apart and belong to God. Likewise, when we allow God’s word to cut the weight and sin off of us, we become marked by God. We no longer resemble this world. We reflect the Master Potter as his workmanship in our lives and deeds (Ephesians 2:10). In real spiritual life, this is often not a one-time thing. This is a process of continually setting our hearts and lives before God so that he can shape us. Surrendering the sin and weight leads to true freedom.
Devotion:
Today, consider what weights or sin that may cling to you at this moment. Ask the Lord to examine your heart and reveal to you the things that you have allowed to stay attached and hinder you. As you read these scriptures, open your heart to allow God to cut off the weight and sin that he is revealing to you. Allow his word and Spirit to mark your heart and make you more like Him. You are His own beautiful creation, and He desires the best for you.
Hebrews 4:10-16
10 for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labors as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs.
12 Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.
Jesus the Great High Priest
14 Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
James 1:21-22
21 Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews
Prayer:
God, search my heart and know my every way. Reveal the weights and sin that I have allowed to cling to me. By your Spirit, remove them from my heart and life so that I may be free. Plant your Word into my heart so that I may follow you and your ways. Mark me by your Spirit so that I resemble your workmanship, not the work of this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.