It has been a particularly difficult year in a difficult series of years. Just a few days ago, I was reflecting on God’s goodness and provision. Yesterday I was dealt a blow that sent me to my knees, struggling, grasping for breath. So many unexpected twists and turns this year many were fantastic, yet so many were devastating. I wondered if my reactions to these things and other things in the past were in keeping with the image of Him whom I am to reflect. I thought of this most recent blow. My reaction was to take a drive on the Colonial Parkway for three hours. I’m not sure this was reflecting Christ and it could be considered bad stewardship considering the price of gas currently, however, it kept me from an angry, hurt outburst and allowed me to hear His still, small voice, so I have to believe it was…well, right. My reflections included the many times have I failed over the past year but as Oswald Chambers wrote in My Utmost For His Highest (December 31st), “Our yesterdays present irreparable things to us; it is true that we have lost opportunities which will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past sleep, but let it sleep on the bosom of Christ. Leave the Irreparable Past in His hands, and step out into the Irresistible Future with Him.”
Reflecting on the uncertainty and murkiness of this “Irresistible Future” reminded me of Paul’s writing in 1 Corinthians 13 at the end of what we commonly refer to as the “Love Chapter.” In verse 12 he writes, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
Somewhere in the midst this reflecting, I became hung up on the word that described exactly what I was doing…reflection, to reflect…realizing there was a duality of meaning there bouncing around in my head. So I pulled out my handy dandy dictionary…my second favorite book when I am studying…to see exactly what good ole Webster had to say in defining these terms.
Reflection - a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation; consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose.
Also it can mean - the production of an image by or as if by a mirror; something produced by reflecting: as a: an image given back by a reflecting surface b: an effect produced by an influence.
Ding, ding, ding!!! My reflections (thoughts, ideas,meditations, considerations) are poor reflections (mirror images, something produced by reflecting) of things I only partially know or understand. In my “today” I am known fully by my unchangeable, faithful God and He sees fully. But one day…one day…when we are face to face, so shall I. But what do I do while I wait and as I step out into the “Irresistible Future” with Him? According to the last part of Webster’s definition, something is produced by reflecting. An image is given back by the reflecting surface, an effect produced by an influence. Who’s image is given back “as if by a mirror” in my daily walk? My influence should be Christ…if so, what effect is being produced? Paul, once again, sums it up rather nicely in his second letter to the Corinthians…just a side note but this makes me wonder if the church at Corinth had some reflection/mirroring issues! In chapter 3 and verse 18 he writes,
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Very well said. If we were more aware of what we are reflecting to those who see us we may want to revise how we think and act knowing this is coming back on us as a mirror of what is going on in our hearts and minds. If we truly believe what Jesus says then we need to be more positive when we are going through trials and be more of a Christlike example to others. Some may only see Christ in our lives and never hear a word from our lips. Do we truly reflect Jesus?
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