Take a lump of clay or a clod of earth. Tell this muddy mass that there is a chance that he can be worked over, improved upon, changed, remade, and then fashioned after the very nature of the Designer who created him in the first place. Call this process re-creation, regeneration, or rebirth.
Then show him the majestic qualities of the Architect. Tell him that he can be just like that. Tell him it is a lifetime process, but the end result is being conformed to the image of his Savior and Lord. That earthy person is going to respond very favorably.
Some people may think it too good to be true, but most will think it worth striving for. From the earthy first Adam to the heavenly second Adam is quite a Journey. The long-suffering God waits patiently while the corrective work is going on.
In this verse Jeremiah, acknowledging his need for adjustment, fine tuning, finishing, and correcting, asks the Lord to remove carnality and replace it with spirituality. He knows it will take time so he asks the Lord to be patient with him.
Jeremiah is negotiating with the Lord. He tells Him he needs correction (who doesn't?). He asks the Lord for justice. He wants to be right. He wants the truth. He wants to be totally honest. He appeals to the mercy side of the Lord. So can you.
Ask the Lord to give you a heart after Him and inclined toward Him. His attribute of mercy will permeate you, for to the merciful He will show mercy.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers