Our Reflection of the TRUTH—Matters!
Often, we see an image of ourselves and think—that looks nothing like me, but in truth—it does.
Then, we hear a recording of our voice and say—that sounds nothing like me, but in truth—it does.
Today, I wonder why we cannot see ourselves—IN FULL TRUTH, & I wonder why we cannot hear the words we speak—IN FULL TRUTH.
Our daughter shared with us some photos a few days ago, photos when they enjoyed the sights of a German city on a beautiful Sabbath day. This city happens to be where they attend worship each week, and these photos reveal the beauty of this river-city. In looking through saved photos one image caught my attention this morning. See this photo with me as I attempt to describe it with words.
- With only one side of the bridge revealed, four circular tunnels allow the water to flow.
- Green sprigs of branches show the trees in their springtime glory.
- Tranquil water, almost-as-if it is unmoving.
- A tower off in the distance, on the other side of the bridge, across the river.
- Beams of wood constructed together to create a passage, a roadway for passage to the other side.
- A blue sky, one filled with hints of white clouds.
Thus, the image, one would purchase in a souvenir store, a photo for keeping, a photo for remembering a beautiful, peaceful Sabbath day.
When our daughter shared “some photos” from their relaxing Sunday afternoon, THIS photo is the one that stayed with me, the one that caught my attention again today. Even though the image reveals a beautiful bridge, it is the reflection of the bridge upon the river that stays most with me.
The Reflection.
A perfect mirror of the “real.”
A complete image that renders the bridge, the branches, the water, the tower, the beams, the sky, not once by twice, not singular but double, not ending but continuous.
It is there, in the reflection I find myself pondering this day as I read God’s Word.
It is there, in the reflection, I find myself asking myself this day—Who am I reflecting as I walk through the life God gifted me to live.
The Bible has much to say about how believers are to live.
We are given guidance and instruction for every season of life.
Christ-followers can know with clarity exactly how God wants them to go through the days of their lives.
Yes, as a believer, I am never at a loss, wondering what God would have me do, for the Bible tells me so.
Today, as this photo caught my attention once again, the Scripture I found myself reading “reflected” the OPPOSITE, the way God’s children should NOT BE if we are to truly reflect our Savior and LORD. Now, friend, I would never want you to believe what I say, but God. Let’s read God’s Word together.
“And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,
being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,
slanders, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;
and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”
(Romans 1: 28-32)
Oh my!
Do we look like that?
Do we who call ourselves the children of God appear like this to the lost world?
My, oh my!
Do we look just like we did when we were lost?
Do we reflect the darkness—OR—Do we reflect the light?
Do we look just like the world?
There’s a melody—“Resurrender” by Hillsong Worship that reminds us what we MUST DO EVERY DAY!
“For we are Your territory/
LORD we are Your church/
We are Your people/
You are our God/
We are Your temple/
Make us holy like You are . . .
So help us God to please You/
Where only You can see/
For every moment matters/
In eternity. . . .
We are Your people/
You are our God/
We are Your temple/
Make us holy like You are/
We are Your children/
You set us apart/
God for Your glory/
Make us holy like You are . . .
If you’re calling, we’re coming.
We’re not walking/
We’re running [to YOU]
God we need ‘resurrender’ [to YOU]
So we resurrender [to YOU today].”
We can reflect God to the world where we live.
We can reflect God to the lost world before we arrive home.
We can!
God’s Word reveals HOW!
Since the creation of the world, God’s eternal power and God’s attributes and God’s divine nature has been clearly seen.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
(Romans 5: 1-5)
Our Reflection of the TRUTH of God—It Matters!
May we “resurrender” and walk, reflecting the image of Christ to the world.