Looking into the Mirror

Steven’s Scribbles
Looking Into the Mirror
One of the myriad lessons having children has taught me is that they are little mirrors. I especially see Grey doing many of the things I once did. More than once I've found myself calling my parents and asking, "How did you deal with this when I did it?"
That thought recently took me to Ephesians 5:1-2: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma" (NASB 1995).
Just as children often reflect their parents, Christians should reflect their Heavenly Father. When people look at us, they ought to see something of God's character. They should see His love, His patience, His holiness, and His grace displayed in our lives.
Of course, that doesn't always come naturally. We are God's children by adoption (Ephesians 1:5). Because of that, there are times we must deny our own desires in order to resemble our adopted family. As Paul reminds us, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).
That leads to an important question for each of us: When people look at me, do they see Christ? Even more personally, when I look into the mirror of God's Word, does my life resemble my Father? James encourages us not merely to hear the Word, but to examine ourselves by it and put it into practice (James 1:19-25).
Children naturally remind us of their parents. May our words, attitudes, and actions remind the world of our Heavenly Father.
I love you all!
Steven