It's Hard To Be the Clay

In the Christian community we use the illustration of the potter and the clay as a way to discuss the process of going from the lost and imperfect human beings we all were before God saved us to the people that God is working to make us. This illustration has obvious merit. It comes directly from the Bible. There are several passages relating to this illustration that can be found in Jeremiah eighteen, Isaiah sixty-four and Romans nine just to name a few. We as Christians often listen to sermons and songs based on these passages and respond something like this. “Isn't this a great illustration of how God can take my ugly humanity and turn it into something beautiful and useful for his kingdom.” And that's about as far as our thought process goes. 

Here's the thing. There isn't anything inherently wrong with that statement. But, much like most other art forms, there is a process involved in pottery that is extensive and messy. This is the part of the illustration we often gloss over.

The very first thing that a potter does with his clay is to cut it of the communal mass. He chooses a section and removes it from its comfort zone. Once we decide to follow Christ, we can expect to feel separated from our community. The reason for this is that we are separated from our community. There is a certain amount of discomfort that can be expected in response to this disconnection.

The next thing that the potter does is this. He takes his chosen chunk of clay and slams it down on the potters wheel with a substantial amount of force. He has taken the chunk of clay from its comfort zone and has placed it, not gently, in an environment that will make it possible to affect it in the way that he desires.

The next step is to center the clay. The potter spins the wheel and leans into the clay using his hands and his weight to push it into the center of the wheel. The potter will not stop this until the clay stops pushing back. Only when the clay is centered in the potters wheel can he continue his work.

Next, the potter has to knead the clay. This process involves working the clay on the wheel. He'll push his finger into the center of the clay and pull out a ring and then push it all back together. To the casual observer, and probably the clay, this seems pointless, like the potter is just messing with the clay. However, there is a point to this process. The goal is to find and remove impurities that can be detrimental to the process later on. All foreign matter and air bubbles must be removed. This will continue until the potter is convinced that he is working with a 'clean' chunk of clay.

Finally, after all this, the potter can begin to shape the clay. He'll find the center and plunge his finger deep into the clay. Then he'll pull out to the width he desires and begin pulling up the walls. This process can take a while. Clay can be difficult to work with. Sometimes, the potter will push it all down and start over. After a while, the clay will take on the shape that the potter desires but that's not the end.

The finished piece will sit on the shelf for a day or two and will return to the wheel. The potter will center it, attach it, and begin cutting. There's only so much that can be done with wet clay. Once the clay gets to the 'leather hard' stage, more can be done. The potter will use a variety of knives to refine the shape and style of the vessel and engrave various types of designs. This means that not all the parts of the vessel will make it to the final product. The clay has to be willing to let some parts of itself go.

Finally, the vessel goes to the kiln. For the first time. This is why the kneading stage is so important. During the bisque firing, the kiln temperature can range anywhere from 1300 degrees Fahrenheit to 2100 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the low levels of moisture in any stones left in the clay will cause the stones to explode. This will shatter the vessel. It's important not to rush through the purifying process because impurities won't make it through the firing.

After all this, the final vessel is dipped in a glaze and fired again. This firing goes up to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally it is removed from the kiln, the beautiful vessel the potter envisioned when he started.

By now, you're probably wondering why I've dragged you through this whole process. I wanted to make a point. It's not easy being the clay. The clay gets cut from its comfort zone and slammed down, worked, kneaded, pulled, stretched, cut, carved, fired, dipped and fired again. It takes a lot for the clay to go from ugly to beautiful. There's a reason that God chose this illustration to describe the process of achieving His vision for us. Why are we so surprised when life is hard? Why do we look at God like He's a brute when we feel life pushing and pulling us. Why do we think He's abandoned us when we feel like we're going through the fire? It's hard to be the clay, but here are some points to help us get trough the process. Let God center you in his will. Let Him work you until the impurities are gone. Let Him shape you into the vessel He has envisioned. Let Him cut away the parts of you that aren't useful to Him. And always remember that the clay doesn't get to decide whether it's going to be a cup, a mug, a plate, or a bowl. That is always up to the Potter. He is the perfect craftsman. We are so fortunate that He has placed us on his wheel.