When something or someone has hidden exceptional characteristics and/or future potential, but currently lacks the final touches that would make them (or it) truly stand out from the crowd they can be said to be a “diamond in the rough”
The phrase relates to the fact that naturally occurring diamonds are quite ordinary at first glance, and that their true beauty as jewels is only realized through the cutting and polishing process.
There are many people that could be described as diamonds in the rough. At first glance they may seem quite ordinary or even cause us to be offended by their lack of social graces, appearance, manners, or speech. Yet it is often these very individuals who offer the greatest friendship, support or whom God uses to bless our lives in some way. This is mainly because God specialises in giving people a chance, and in pruning or polishing off rough edges to reveal the gem and masterpiece underneath.
Unfortunately we can often miss these “diamonds in the rough” through judging too quickly or placing people into “types”, demographics, and categories before we have even given them a chance to be seen and heard. In doing so can easily miss the gem of a person God has created and who He might in actual fact be wanting to use us to help reveal who they truly are.
A great example of the concept of finding “diamonds in the rough” is found in the account of David in the bible where many of the broken, discontented and in distress came and gathered around David and he became their leader. In this list of over four hundred men are numbered David’s mighty men who were known for their military skill and the blessing of God on their lives, yet to many they were merely misfits, and men with bad attitudes.
“David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.” (1 Samuel 22:21-22)
Today, determine to not judge others too quickly, but instead choose to look further than the superficial or rough edges that we all can hide behind and carry. Stop making assumptions and instead give people time and space to be seen and heard, and in doing so make yourself available for God to use you to encourage others to be the best version of themselves they can be.
Prayer: Lord please help me to not fall into the trap of judging too quickly situations or those around me, because in doing so I can easily miss the amazing people and opportunities you have planned for me. Help me to spot the diamonds in the rough and be someone who will accept and encourage new opportunities and people to be all they can be. In Jesus name Amen.
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