As the stories go, there were many fine pottery makers in the Roman world, and it turned out to be a lucrative business. The pottery would be formed, then placed into an oven to cure. The well-respected potter would inspect his pottery after firing, and if any cracks were found, the vessel would be discarded and he would start over. Naturally, this would increase the overall price and value of fine pottery.

Given the same situation, other less reputable potters would take the blemished vessel and rub wax into the crack, perhaps melting it somewhat, then paint over the imperfection and sell it as if it were pristine. These individuals could sell their pottery for cheaper prices, thus undercutting the sincere pottery makers.

This prompted the honorable pottery makers to hang a sign over the entrance to their stores: sincerus ... meaning this store has pottery without wax. The actual definition of the Latin word means to be pure or clean.

Whether the stories of the ancient pottery makers are true is debatable -- but the idea of being "without wax" in our personal lives with Yahshua is valid.

Paul tells us that we should strive to be "sincere and without offence" in his first address to the Corinthians. Could Paul have been thinking along these lines? Notice:

The Greek word for sincerity, , is number 1505 in Strong’s and is defined as: clearness, i.e. (by implication) purity (figuratively):--sincerity. The root meaning is to be 'genuine', 'unmixed', 'without deceit'. Are we as believers being genuine and sincere in our mission to serve the Most High Yahweh, or are we apt to cover the imperfections that are inherent to humans?

Yahweh knows all things, and it is in vain to attempt to cover up deceitful ways.

Another Greek word for sincere is number 1506, and is found in Philippians 1:10: , judged by sunlight, i.e. tested as genuine (figuratively):--pure, sincere. By some accounts of the Corinthian potters, a person could check the purity of the vessel by adding hot water (if wax is present, it will melt) or by holding it up to the sunlight and observing it with a critical eye.

Yahshua the Messiah is the "Light of the World" (John 9:5). If we are held to the light and brightness of His countenance, will the cracks and flaws in us be open to scrutiny and correction, or will we be found in contempt, being vainly covered for outward appearances?

If there be any "wax" in our lives, let us repent and remove it while there is still time.