Devotional Thought: Your Changing Reflection

 

"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. 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 12:1-2

What do you see when you look in the mirror? How has your perception of who you are changed through the course of your life? Perceptions of our personality and tendencies of thoughts and intentions do evolve naturally over time. This natural process of maturing, but also being shaped by your life experiences, occurs for everyone. For the follower of Jesus, the continued work of growing in holiness according to the Word of God is the ongoing process that changes. Our individual personalities, talents, and tendencies will always  be unique to but will grow into the boundaries of godliness as we grow in Christ. God wants to use our personalities and unique traits to further His Kingdom and work in this world. Gifts and abilities are wonderful when they are biblical and God honoring. These can become idolatrous when we serve the purposes of our selfish desires or if they produce wickedness. Sometimes we find ourselves feeling insecure about who we are or frustrated with the inability to mortify the sins of the flesh so that our personalities will proceed toward conforming to godliness. Our confidence must always be in the Lord and that all things are working to change us into who He created us to be in the first place. Our reflection changes because the image of God is being restored in all of us if we have trusted in Jesus as our one and only Savior to reconcile us to God. To be happy with our reflection we must surrender to this continued restoration of God's image even while He utilizes our individual giftedness for His glory. So no matter your quirks and tendencies, lean into the traits of God outlined in His Word. We must surrender to the Holy Spirit's directions to the way of obedience to His word. Then the changing reflection will be more and more satisfying as your are content with Christ alone.