A True Reflection

So our faces are not covered. They show the bright glory of the Lord, as the Lord’s Spirit makes us more and more like our glorious Lord . 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18

Before our children are born, we enjoy imagining how they’ll look. And later, people seem to enjoy sharing whether they think the children favor us or our husband, or are a good blend of both. The truth is, though, that our children’s appearances change as they grow.

The same should be true of our inward appearances—they should change because of our relationship with God. As humans, we’re all made in God’s image (see Genesis 1:27). As Christians, we’re meant to be a reflection of God through our thoughts, actions, and beliefs. We won’t ever be a perfect reflection of God because we make mistakes. Sin tempts us and sometimes traps us just like anyone else. But every time we back up from the wrong place, ask for forgiveness (from God and anyone else involved in the situation), and try again, the image of God within us shines through a little brighter.

 Our children see God in us when we apologize for shortcomings, respect their opinions, or pray with them. Strangers see God in us when we hold our tempers instead of reacting in frustration when our children annoy us in public. Other parents see God in us when we share each other’s burdens and support each other through difficult times.

We don’t need to try so hard to show God in our lives that we nearly blind people with our efforts. Day-to-day authentic attempts to follow God will reflect Him in just the right ways so that others will be drawn to us (and God) over time instead of driven away. Let’s honor our heavenly Father by challenging ourselves to reflect God to others each time we see them.

 

 Dear Lord, I love You and want others to learn about You through what they see in me. Show me how I can be a true reflection of You in every situation. Amen .