God speaks of His people, by one of the old prophets, by the term Jewels. If true Christians are as jewels in the discriminating, all-searching regard of God, His grace must have wrought a great change in their hearts and natures. For all are born in sin, and have naturally evil hearts and corrupt affections, wills alienated from the will of God. Saint Paul must have spoken truth as to the jewels of God. If any man be in Christ, a new creature, the old things are passed away, all things are made new. Be not unconcerned, nor even uncertain as to this change in your own case. The thoughtless world derides the word conversion, but there is no matter on which each should examine him or herself more closely than as to your own present participation in this new creature. Rest not in hopes and good wishes, but be concerned to ascertain that God has created in you a clean heart, and renewed a right spirit. And as there is a day coming when God will collect together all His jewels, keep it in your minds and prepare for it carefully. Think of it as sure, fixed, and approaching. Improve the thought of it, to your comfort and support, under present duties, cares, and trials. That which is at present momentary, and light of our tribulation, worketh for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory, while we look not at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen; which latter are eternal.
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp