True Reflections

You have to have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. -Philippians 2:5 (NLT)


So.... how is your attitude? Everyday I feel like I fall short in reflecting His image... mainly because the human nature comes out so freely... The good thing is that He understands that because he created us this way.


Be aware of how you react to situations in your life this week. How do you react when your children are pushing you to the limit? How do you react when that annoying driver cuts you off? Or how about to the lady who blocks the aisle at the grocery store? How do you react to your significant other or friend that says something that rubs you the wrong way? Our attitudes are a very powerful thing. Have you ever thought about what happened after you honked and screamed and through your hands in different gestures at the annoying driver? Was your reasoning for your fit "well he made me so mad because of his driving!" or "well it's not my fault he can't learn how to drive" or "well serves him right, I hope he saw all of it"? Was your reasoning for the angry/irritated expression on your face to the woman blocking the aisle "I was running late and she was blocking the whole aisle!!!" or "she should be more considerate of others so it served her right" or "I was having a bad day and not in the mood for any more road blocks"? How do you justify your reactions to your kids or your significant others?


Now... let's look at it from the another view. Let's talk about the annoying driver. Because of his driving 'skills' how did you view him? How did his reaction to your driving effect you? Because you weren't getting somewhere at the pace he wanted to he cut you off or whatever... In return it effected you negatively. Then after that you responded with more negativity and IF he was paying attention to you then he probably was effected that way too. Do you see the pattern of bad attitudes? What about that lady at the grocery store? Are you such the perfect shopper yourself that you have never accidentally been over too far in an aisle? Have you never had to just scooch a little with that sweet little "oh! I am sorry hehehe"? How did the person respond to you that had to wait for you to move so they could pass? Or maybe you are perfect and have never had to scooch in the aisle BUT you were the one that had to move out of the way of the item on the shelf the person next to you needed. That lady in the aisle has been you. How would you have felt if someone treated you in the way that you treated them? What about your kids? What about the spouse? the friend?


Now let's go a little deeper if you may... We ignore, swear against, get angry, jealous, annoyed, just plain ugly sometimes. How does our Dad respond to you? When you get too busy to give him 5 minutes how does he speak to you? How about when you say "omg" and use His name like it's just another word with no importance? Does he huff and puff and yell at us for being so disrespectful??? The answer is no. When we put our cart in the middle of our road with him he waits. and waits. and waits some more. He doesn't push us out of the way or yell at us or treat us like we are the most annoying person ever. When we cut him off in the middle of something he is doing how does he respond? Does he give us the lovely hand gestures we gave to the annoying driver? No. How about when we push him and push him and push him even more just as our children have done to us? He answers with peace, love and understanding to us.


This is something that amazes me every minute of my life. If God can be so filled with love for ALL of this human race, then why can't we reflect that too? We are human. BUT don't let that be your excuse for your awful attitude on those bad days. What you can do though is this-When those bad days come, praise Him. When your kids drive you insane, praise Him. When your spouse crosses the line, praise Him. When a friend does something hurtful, praise Him. "give thanks for everything" Ephesians 5:20 (NLT). EVERYTHING not just the good things. When you are focusing on the love you don't reflect the bad. You reflection/attitude effects others. We are put here to show love to EVERYONE.

How did your attitude reflect in a current situation? Did it trully reflect love? Do you think your reflection helped someone see love or feel love? If you speak words of love and show love then others will be curious how to get that same love. We are the body. It's about being selfless. You are not more special than the guy in the car in front of you. Remember that your reaction could stop the negative.


Be the change you want to see in this world. Don't just talk about it. Change your attitude and be aware of it at all times.

Love-A