2017 will soon be coming to a close. Have you reflected back on the year or are you ready to just embrace 2018 without a second glance? Whether you’re anticipating big challenges or you’re thinking “things can only get better”; I want to encourage you to take some time to reflect back and reflect forward!
One definition of reflect is to “think deeply or carefully about.” So let’s start there in prayer:
Father, thank you for walking with me through 2017 and for preparing an amazing 2018. I am grateful for your unconditional love, forgiveness, and faithfulness. Help me to think carefully as I view reflections from 2017 and prepare my heart and mind to see how you want me to reflect You in 2018. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.
Reflect = Throw Back
Light
Did you reflect God’s light over the past year? Are you asking God to help you shine His Light more in 2018?
“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory and majesty of God [clearly revealed] in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Mirrored Image
When you look back into the mirrored version of yourself from 2017, do you see God’s image within you and reflecting from you? What does your reflection show regarding your heart and the ways that you love(d) others? Do you perceive your own outward appearance as Royalty & believe that you were made in God’s image? In 2018, how will you mirror God’s image in a way that is truer to the way that God sees you?
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
So far we’ve pondered reflecting God’s Light and God’s Image. The next three definitions of reflection fall into the category of reflecting God’s Love:
- Faithfully embody or represent
- Bring credit to
- Bring about a good (or bad) impression of
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love…This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:9,11-13)
In 2018, will you be seeking the Holy Spirit’s help in faithfully representing God as you model your Christian walk to your family, friends, and co-workers?
Loving others more, as a Reflection of God’s Love, is definitely on my list of 2018 goals. I desire to recognize God’s work in my life more and give Him the credit. I pray that my life and example will bring about a good impression of what it means to be a Christ follower, and that in 2018 my Reflection may radiate God even more.
What does Reflecting God’s Light, God’s Image, and God’s Love mean to you?