There was a time when, as a child, I could not distinguish one make of automobile from another. To me, all vehicles were simply cars of different colors. When I listened to acquaintances discuss the models available in our country, I did not understand how they differed from one another.
But the time came when I decided to understand the difference between a Lada and a Moskvich, and between a Zaporozhets and a Volga. I began asking experts to explain the differences between these cars, and they showed me not only the differences in their appearance, but also those in the technical specifications and durability of every automobile available in our country.
Time passed, and I bought my own used car and found a good auto mechanic whom I visited regularly to have each new problem repaired. For the most part, I drove around my city and the surrounding area, afraid to travel long distances because I knew the car could break down at any moment—which it periodically did.
All this was normal life for me until I traveled abroad. My amazement knew no bounds when I discovered that some automobiles were built so well that they could run for a very long time without repairs while also being very comfortable and economical. My myth that Soviet cars were the best was thoroughly shattered.
One day, back when I still watched television, I learned from a program how Mercedes automobiles were assembled. I was impressed by the manufacturers’ approach to the quality of every model. Before entering mass production, every new model must undergo durability and endurance testing. For this purpose, a special test track was built with many kinds of road surfaces—with holes and bumps, uneven sections, and potholes. A new model must be driven over all these roads day and night. They even invented robotic drivers for this purpose, which can be controlled from a central control room. In a separate facility stand the new engines for the future vehicle, running day and night under different operating conditions and loads in order to determine their service life.
The head of the Mercedes-Benz corporation said, ‘We build our automobile very slowly, but it sells quickly.’ A vehicle’s endurance is the first important factor the manufacturer takes into account and tests.
But no less attention is given to the comfort and safety of the passengers. An automobile is created not to transport firewood, but for people of different ages and professions. I also saw how cars are deliberately crashed from different directions in an attempt to determine what protective measures must be taken so that the occupants will remain safe or sustain minimal injuries in a collision. Many different protective mechanisms have been invented and built into the roof and doors, the steering wheel and seats. Air bags and seat belts must be present in every new model. Yet when I get into my car, I do not even think about the tremendous labor and intelligence invested in this invention. I start the engine and drive. Some people are more interested in the shine of their car’s exterior than in understanding how it is made.
I chose my most recent automobile very carefully, trying to determine what would not break down quickly, would be comfortable, and would be inexpensive. As I gathered this information, I identified through numerous reviews the model that I eventually purchased. My expectations were fulfilled. I have been very pleased with what I currently own.
In the Word of God, there is an interesting phrase: ‘rooted and grounded in love.’ Ephesians 3:17.
Usually this verse is read very quickly, but I paid attention to it and tried to understand what it means. After all, one can simply possess love and love others with it. Why is it necessary to become grounded in it? This is where the most interesting part begins. It turns out that I want to own good things and use them for a long time, while spiritual treasures are somehow supposed to enter my life on their own, and it does not matter how they are constructed.
The Faithful Witness counsels me to buy gold tried in the fire. What does this mean? It tells me that all the goods in His store have already passed through trials—and that they will take me through this fire as well.
We have already discovered that gold symbolizes faith and love. Once these treasures become mine, they will be tested by an external fire which, by its very nature, also transforms me within.
What will happen to a vessel into which molten metal is poured, or in which that metal is melted? Everything that exists at a normal temperature begins either to burn or to be transformed when it comes into contact with fire. Only fire-resistant materials will undergo no change.
As a human being, Jesus passed through the full fire of human passions and attacks. The Love that He Himself was underwent testing from every direction. There was not a single temptation that did not assail Christ, but He faced everything worthily. He allowed this fire to test the strength of Heavenly Agape so that it might be established forever.
The Heavenly Father permitted all the forces of evil to test the Heavenly gold and, through this trial, to reveal to the entire spiritual and visible world the unshakable foundations of love—whose firmness no one could have perceived under normal conditions. The Cross revealed the power, beauty, depth, and strength of God’s love. The entire universe witnessed how firm the foundation of God’s statutes is and how beautiful His character is. This trial also revealed the utterly repulsive nature of sin and how deeply a being can fall when it deprives itself of God’s love and avoids God’s presence.
When I receive God’s agape in answer to prayer, I do not feel any visible changes, but my worldview, habits, and thoughts inevitably begin to change. I begin to see everything around me through different eyes. Love cleanses and educates me.
When the testing of my love comes, love teaches me to act rightly, to respond rightly, and to relate rightly to what is happening to me and to those who are testing me. In the fire, the Lord establishes my faith upon the firm foundation of His love.
As I communicate with friends in the spirit of love, I also become established in the right spirit of tenderness, friendliness, and joy. My mind very quickly absorbs the lessons and spirit of love that I repeat and practice in my life day after day. Obvious changes cannot be seen in a single day, but they are taking place. Being grounded in love becomes firmly inscribed in my character and burns away everything foreign that love cannot permeate or dissolve.
And this is the most important thing God’s love does for me: it clearly presents the beauty of God’s character to my heart. Nothing testifies to my mind about God so distinctly as God Himself within me through the Agape that has become established in me.
As I love my enemies, neighbors, and friends—and truly love them—I understand how God loves this world, how He treats His enemies, and how He desires to save us all and give us what makes it possible for Him to have fellowship with us from within.
Not every trial brings me joy while I am passing through difficulties, but the spirit of love gives me victory in everything and establishes me in love forever. What could be better than love? Only a personal meeting with the One Who is Love.
Bible Verses for Reflection
Ephesians 3:14–21; Revelation 3:18; Psalm 37:22–24; James 1:3–5; 1 Peter 1:22; 4:12–19; 2 Peter 1:5–8; Psalm 93:2; 112:5–10; Proverbs 24:3–5; Isaiah 44:26; Matthew 22:37–40; 1 John 4:16; Romans 3:31; 1 Corinthians 2:5; Hebrews 2:18; 2 Corinthians 1:21–22; Colossians 2:6–7.