Whose Reflection?

Whose Reflection Would You See?

Have you noticed that sometimes on social media posts the images are reversed? It’s because the person posting wants you to see them the way they see themselves in the mirror. We are used to seeing ourselves one way and, since we are trying to make ourselves look our best, we want you to see us from the same perspective. But, what if that isn’t the goal? What if we aren’t supposed to be reflecting ourselves at all, but Christ’s? Whose reflection would you see?

Compliments

Who doesn’t love a good compliment? Whether it’s a new hairstyle, our outfit, or a job well done, a compliment shows that other people appreciate and recognize our efforts. I get a bit bashful when someone tells me they like something about the way I look and it took many years for me to learn to simply say thank you instead of downplaying it or offering some self-depreciating humor. There is one compliment I have always loved though. There have been times in my teaching career when students have asked me if I was (or assumed that I must be) a Christian.

Wow. What an honor.

And, how tremendously humbling at the same time.

Measure Up

Each time this has happened, I immediately wonder why. I rack my brain for anything I may have done that was “not very Christian” of me. This is true even though it’s only ever been used as a compliment. I feel compelled to make sure I haven’t betrayed the reflection I’m supposed to be giving. It’s vitally important for me to measure up to what I should be if I’m the only bible this kid has ever read. I almost always think of some way I came up short. Fortunately, kids can be very forgiving and usually focus on the overall effect.

The Big Picture

This got me thinking about the big picture. Like any relationship, it’s not what you do on a single occasion, it’s the day-to-day. The bathroom mirror sees us when we get out of the shower, in the middle of the night, when we brush our teeth and wash our hands. It’s not the reflection that the mirror we use to check our outfits, makeup, or hair shows. One is our true self, the other is the image we want to present to the world. Like anyone who has left the house feeling great about the way they look only to be caught in the rain, wilted in the beating sun, or had a rough day knows, how you left isn’t necessarily how you return. Your true reflection shows through eventually.

Make Them Match

So how do we make sure our reflection is a mirror of Christ’s? It’s a matter of heart. Matthew. 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” So, when we treasure the right things, our hearts will follow. When our hearts follow, so will our reflection. That’s how we make them match. The Bible says that, “You may ask for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:14) This isn’t like a blank check or lottery ticket, it’s a promise that when your heart is like Christ’s, you will want what Christ wants, and that will guide your requests. In that case, why wouldn’t God grant you what you’re asking for? You are reflecting His desires, His purpose, and His calling.

So the last question I ask myself as I walk out the door today shouldn’t be about my “fit”, but What can I do to reflect the face of God today?

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