Reflections of the Follower

If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!

Well, last week we rested, renewed and let Jesus hit that RESET button..so what’s next?  Hmmm.. reflections.  Let’s do a little exercise.  Go look at yourself in a mirror, any mirror available.  Go ahead, I will wait……

Okay, what did you see?  Did you like the reflection?  Did you find flaws?  Did you point out anything you wanted to change about the reflection?  Was there anything you were happy with?

Now, how do you think people see your refection as a Christian?  Does the reflection of who you are match up with who God is?  Do people want to see something change in you?  Does the reflection make people happy or sad?  Do you like your reflection of God?

I know, these are tough questions but let me lighten the mood and show you I surely am not attacking you or how you reflect God.  I “mirrorly” want to show you how to get to the place where you can reflect God in such a way there will be no questions about who you are in Christ.

First of all, let me let you off the hook…you are human and humans make mistakes and it’s okay.  We cannot come to the place where our reflections match our God until we choose to rest, renew and reflect.  We need to remember that from the moment we say yes to Jesus He says yes to pushing the reset button and the process begins.  Some things we learn quickly and a result it seen almost immediately.  Other changes take time and perseverance.  It all begins with listening to God and being obedient and open to His will for your life.

Now, the world is filled with mean, unsaved people and our mission is to share Jesus with all of the those people and shed Light into the darkness.  I know it’s not easy especially when some of the people knew the former you.  They know what you did last summer and perhaps are still mad at what you did.  Who knows?  We often get caught up in thinking that WE have to doing something to change the world when in reality it’s all up to Jesus!

So what I want us to focus on today is simple….what messages are we sending to those around us?  Are we reflecting Jesus when we talk about our co-workers?  Are we reflecting Jesus when we drive angry?  Are we shedding Light into the darkness when we speak harshly to others?  We need to understand that being a Christian is a 24/7/365 reality.  Yes, we will make mistakes and that’s okay as long as we remember that was just part of our old-self rearing it’s ugly head for a moment.  Know that it is not a part of the new you.  Let Jesus hit the rest button on that area of your life and try again.