“Reflection and Deflection"

"Reflection and Deflection"

     "Let us not be desirous of vain glory" (Galatians 5:26).

     The truth that we live for the honor and reputation of Another should elicit a hugh sigh of relief and the greatest sense of peace in our hearts.  This includes those who foolishly seek fame in this lifetime, desiring the empty honor that glimmers like a jewel in prospect, but chokes like gravel in possession.  As one person of notoriety ruefully commented, "I wanted to be famous - until five minutes after it happened."  Of course, most of us never achieve - or actually, descend - to the trappings of fame.  However, in our own sphere of life and influence, we all can live seeking to build our reputation in the minds of others rather than joining the Psalmist in the tranquility of "Not unto us, o Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy and Thy truth's sake" (Psalm 115:1).

    We exist for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.  His honor and reputation must be established and maintained as paramount in our hearts, minds, and lives.  This will lead us to do many things that flow with the current of Christ's honor, and to not do many things that move against that current.  The Holy Spirit who also seeks to direct all attention to the Lord Jesus - "He shall glorify Me" - works in believers to fulfill God the Father's determination to honor His Son (John 16:14).  His leadership will motivate us to act, speak, and relate in ways that cast a beautiful light on the Savior.  The Spirit will also sometimes restrain us from words and actions that may appear holy in their content, but which do not meet the test of intent.  As the Lord Jesus said of certain religious figures of His day, "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast" (Matthew 6:16).  "Look at me!" served as the reason for sacrifice rather than seeking to quietly direct all attention to the only worthy Recipient of honor and glory. 

   A path of peace beckons us in the day, the tranquility of heart that delivers us from the vain glory - empty honor - that poisons the hearts of all who seek it.  In the particular pond in which we swim, we can devote ourselves to reflection and deflection, as it were.  We walk by faith in the Lord Jesus and thus absorb His holy light that enables us to reflect His character, nature, and way.  We also walk in the humility that seeks to deflect attention from ourselves to Him, the "Not unto us!" of the Psalmist.  No greater peace can fill our hearts.  No other peace can fill our hearts.   We were made and redeemed for this, and the path beckons us to reflect and deflect all glory to the Christ so worthy thereof…

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in Heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever!"

(Revelation 5:12-13)

Weekly Memory Verse

     Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

(Psalm 85:10)