There are two different ways to define this month’s devotional word: To show the likeness of an image, or outline, as the water reflects the clouds, or to realize and consider, as we reflect on the steps of a journey that led to the capstone of another dance season. Even though the calendar year just started, the school-year season is nearing its end. Choreography is finishing up in every classroom, and believe it or not, recitals begin in a single-digit number of weeks. As we march closer toward the final performance, toward graduations, new plans and next chapters, as we reflect on the steps that brought us here, let’s not forget to reflect on God’s goodness, and shine the likeness of the one true God as He leads us across the finish line of 2021-22.
Proverbs 27:19 tells us that “As the water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” Our lives are a reflection of the ideals and faith we hold in our heart. That is, the parts of our lives where we spend the most time and energy reveal what's really important to us, right? Let’s look at this in terms of dance. If we’ve spent the season really focusing on timing and unison, those efforts are going to show on stage. If we’ve neglected our timing and focused entirely on our ability to spot during turns, that’s going to be reflected in our performance, too. Likewise, in life, if we’ve been so focused on making our own plans, but neglecting the one who determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9), our hearts will reflect those efforts accordingly.
In order to get the most out of this month’s focus, the two ways of looking at this month’s word need to go hand-in-hand. Let’s start by looking at our verse of the month, 2 Corinthians 2:18:
“And we all, with unveiled face, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the spirit.”
Paul’s words here are powerful. First in describing the separation between sinful people and God’s glory, and how God’s Holy Spirit removes the “veil” of hardness and allows those in Christ to see the glory He has revealed in Jesus. Then, with the veil gone, how we boldly look at Christ, and see Him for who and what He is. Only then, with unveiled face, can we understand the nature of Christ, and begin the process of our own transformation. Paul writes that this change happens from “one degree of glory to another.” It’s not something we can accomplish ourselves overnight. Rather, we will become more and more like Him as we are changed by the Spirit over time. Where we focus our hearts is what our lives will reflect.
As you reflect on the days that brought you here, reflect on God’s goodness, on His faithfulness, and on who He is, with unveiled face. Let your reflections in turn reflect His light to those around you. Dwell on His promises, and reflect His word as your reflection becomes more like a reflection of God, “for this comes from the Lord, who is the spirit.”