Did you spend some time in front of the mirror this morning? I certainly did. As I got ready for work, I needed to ensure that my hair was fixed just so, my makeup was even, and my clothes actually matched. You and I spend time in front of mirrors.
However, have you noticed that on days we don't have to be anywhere in particular (other than puttering around the house), we don't take quite as much care with our physical appearance?
I have pants that I love to wear around the house or while I'm gardening. You know the ones I'm talking about. Worn in just right, maybe a spot or two of paint on them, and faded after all the trips through the washing machine. But I stop short of wearing them out amongst the general public. I can always offer the reason that I have a sense of style. But vanity comes closer to the truth.
On some level, you and I care how others perceive us. That's why we all spend time in front of the looking glass (to use a term from my grandma's era). How many times have you hoped that you wouldn't run into someone you know when you don't feel as if your appearance is quite up to snuff? We care how others see us.
But that's just superficial. There's something else. God's children have something that cannot be seen in a mirror yet is reflected into the world - His glory. Scripture tells us that we have become the mirror that reflects the glory of the Lord living in us.
That's a wonderful yet sobering truth. Sobering? You bet. It's sobering because others glimpse Jesus through our words and actions. Take a moment to ponder over your actions the past 48 hours. How did you treat others? Were you kind and considerate or impatient and demanding? What did others perceive in you? Like I said, it's sobering.
The busyness of our days and the pressures of living in today's culture sometimes dims our shine. It takes focus and determination to get His light out from under the bushel where we've hidden it. It takes courage to take that lampshade off and let God's light shine. Courage because having a conversation about God in a secular crowd isn't a popular topic. But if we don't shine His light, who will?
You and I are called to be God's light in a dark world. We reflect His glory to those around us - not to cause fear, but to foster hope. The hope that what our eyes see is not all there is to life. Our eyes see poverty, promiscuity, and perversion.
God has something better for us.
Infinitely better.
As we plan out the rest of our week, I pray that we keep checking our reflection. Not to recall whether or not our clothes match, but to keep checking how our actions and words reflect God's light. Reflecting His love and goodness makes all the difference.
In fact, it can make an eternal difference.
