Daily devotional, July 24, 2024 Mirrors
"As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:18
Stop by a public place where there is a big mirror, and chances are you will notice that most of the passers by will stop to look at their reflection. People wanted to check how they look, and what others see when they look at them.
But mirrors do not tell the whole story. As followers of Christ, we should see ourselves beyond our outer appearance. We should stop trying to look better for others, and instead strive hard to ensure that God will be happy whenever He gazes at us.
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Psalm 139:13-14
In this world, we judge others by the way they look, the shape of their body, the color of their hair and complexion, how they talk, and the school that they attended, and in how much money they have. We also get measured up by that same standard and so we usually become conscious about how others see us.
But measuring ourselves using such a yardstick makes us worldly creatures who are unable to rise above and pursue what the Lord requires of us. We easily fall into depression when we seem to live a life of failure according to the world’s standards, not knowing that in the eyes of God we remain precious.
"Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life."
Isaiah 43:4
And so we should reset our mindset and be more conscious about what the eyes cannot see. As followers of Jesus, our lives should be all about pleasing Him, because by doing this, we get to live a life of contentment and God’s peace. We get to be protected from the natural consequences of sin as we follow God’s teachings and commands. By living a life of worship we get to avoid having regrets and resentments in life, because we know that we made God-honoring choices, and decisions that please God.
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship"
Romans 12:1
When we measure up our success in terms of the Lord’s ruler, we get to be better and more loving people, generous, ready to help, and encouraging to others. We get to see beyond physical attributes, and we rarely get concerned about the external because we know what is more important is what is in our hearts and minds.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Romans 12:2
And so when we see others, we also ought to see them as how God would look at them. We would see beyond their physical traits and worldly characteristics. Instead, we will see the good in them, and if they have needs, we will try our best to help them with it, the way God wants us to.
"But be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Ephesians 5:18-21
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Ephesians 5:10-20 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: How do you see yourself and others? Do you use the world’s lenses or that of Jesus Christ?
Conversation with the Lord: _Heavenly Father, teach me to look at others the way you see them. encourage me too look at myself not on how others see me, but how you see me. I want to please you above all, and I want to help you serve others too. Amen.
