Reflecting God
By Susan Klein
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15
Have you ever seen or heard this message on television: “WARNING: The following program may contain views and opinions that do not necessarily reflect the views of this network”? Does it make you stop and wonder what you are about to see, or why the network would promote something it may not agree with?By Susan Klein
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15
I sometimes wonder if God feels this way about His children. Do we contain views and opinions that are contrary to His? Are we broadcasting our message on His network, but not following His written guidelines? Do we sometimes have one foot in the Word, and one foot in the world?
2 Corinthians 5:20-21 says: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us...God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Wow! We are called Christ’s ambassadors, and the righteousness of God! He is using us to appeal to the unbelievers of this world by displaying His righteousness in our lives, and on His network so that He might get the glory. That’s a pretty tall order! But God doesn’t give us a task to do without equipping us for the job. He promises that we are given every spiritual blessing we need for the job He has called us to do. And He’s also given us His Holy Spirit to empower us to accomplish the task. If that’s true, and we apply these principles, then we should be a pretty accurate reflection of Him, though we know, of course, we won’t be a perfect reflection until heaven.
In reality, when our program is on, what do people see? Do they need to be warned first that some of our content doesn’t exactly follow those of our Savior’s? Or, are we following Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to do our best to present ourselves to God as approved workmen who are not ashamed and who correctly handle the Word of Truth? We must not be like the world, going our own way and stating things contrary to our network Head. We must make sure we have consulted with the One True God and are lined up with His Word before we broadcast anything live.
Let’s give our God cause to say: No warning necessary. The following program lines up with my ways! It is safe for you to view!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Where in your life might you be slipping into some habits or actions (visible to others) that are contrary to God’s teachings? If these areas exist, what will you do to realign yourself with God’s Word: ending the habit, stepping back from service, seeking help to break free?
FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 27:19; Ephesians 4:1-3; Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 2:3-6
Susan is a wife and mother of two. She leads a small group and teaches for Tuesday a.m. Bible Study.
