FAMILIAR REFLECTIONS
Brothers and sisters do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who can save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?
James 4:11-12 (NIV)
We encounter images and reflections all around us. Most original images are filtered, distorting what was once true through our past experiences, others' opinions or even the world's desire to sell us something more. Even our phones have filters that change our appearance to fit our desires and provide entertainment, sometimes at another's expense. But it comes at a cost—a loss of truth and honesty.
Have you ever met a person and assumed something, only to realize the opposite? What if you met yourself—would you judge yourself against the same standards? When we look in the mirror, who do we see? When we see others, is it through God's truth or our own lens? We're called to use discernment and good judgment, and to apply the truth Jesus has given us through the Holy Spirit.
When we view others as we wish, we essentially nudge Jesus off the throne of our lives and place ourselves where only He belongs. We decide what's best for us and others, leaning on our understanding and not His truth. Be extra cautious! Let the first reflection we examine be our own. Ask God for correction in your own heart and then choose to speak the truth in love to others who've lost their way. Not walking on eggshells, but with gentleness, humility and love. When we look in the mirror, do we see attributes of Jesus? Or do we see the familiar reflection of ourselves--the one we're comfortable with, the image that we've created to our own liking?
APPLICATION: Think of a time when you judged someone. Allow God to adjust your view of that person. If they're aware that you were critical of them, ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to seek amends with this person.
PRAYER: Father, guide me today in Your grace and mercy. Give me vision to see others in the light of Your love. Present me with wisdom and discretion in how I approach others and in the conversations I have. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?