Reflection

Imagine sitting down to eat dinner. You are sitting across from a good friend and having an interesting and fun conversation. Behind your friends head is a mirror. You can easily see your own reflection in the mirror. As you are talking with your friend how much effort will it take for you to look your friend in the eyes instead of your own reflection in the mirror?

I imagine for a majority of us. We would rather look at our friend and not in the mirror. Yet, when that mirror is there something draws our attention to it. We begin to look at ourselves instead of the other. It’s so easy to do and it’s not what we want to do. We wish the mirror wasn’t even there. If it were me I might even have to move seats because it would be so distracting.

We are not trying to be drawn to our reflection, but it is a natural reaction. So, why is it that we are we often drawn to do the “bad” things over the “righteous”? I know if given a choice between a celery stick and a nutty bar. I’m going with the nutty bar. If given a choice between sleeping in on Sunday morning and getting up extra early for devotions before worship. I’m getting some extra ZZZ’s. It often takes discipline to do the righteous thing. It takes discipline to be healthy, eat right, and exercise. It also takes discipline to live a life of faith. It’s not a natural reaction to think of the other before you.

It’s not a natural reaction to truly reflect Christ. Yet, through the gift of the Spirit reflecting Christ will change your life and the life of whom you encounter. Being disciplined reaps reward. If eating and living healthy your body will have more energy. Your self-esteem with be renewed. If connecting with God deeply your faith will give joyously. Your connection to the earth and the people, animals, and plants of the earth will be united. The way you view this universe will be made whole. Your purpose may not be clear – but your life will have new meaning.

P.S. If only I could count the number of times in this blog I have typed disciple instead of discipline!