The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
"To Deflect and Direct"
Two extremes characterize the human race in how we desire to be viewed. "Look at me!… Don't look at me!" Some desire attention, others long to be ignored, and most find their sensibilities somewhere in between. A common theme, however, characterizes all. "Me." Human history and personal history relentlessly bear witness to the foolishness and danger of such self-centeredness. The unholy trinity of "I, Me" and My" nevertheless remains a strong allure to all, including God's devoted sons and daughters in Christ. Thankfully, the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the apostle of God offer blessed escape and relief from the devilish trap of focus on ourselves.
"We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (II Corinthians 4:5-6).
Paul, of course, alluded to his calling to preach in this affirmation of devotion to "glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." However, whatever our responsibilities of life, the truth applies. "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:31). Our Heavenly Father privileges us in every office and station to direct focus unto the Lord Jesus.
We relate to our families to reveal and honor the Lord Jesus.
We live where we live to serve as a beacon of Christ's light therein.
We work to reflect His character, nature, and way in what we do, and how we do it.
We seek education for our calling to better reveal the Lord Jesus by being enabled to better do our jobs.
We relate to friends for the purpose of leading each other to the truest Friend of our hearts.
We enjoy our pastimes in the knowledge that they serve as opportunities for respite from responsibility, but not from our privileged calling to "shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15).
Wherever we go, and wherever we find ourselves, we realize our calling to serve as "ambassadors for Christ" in our demeanor, countenance, attitudes, words, and deeds (II Corinthians 5:20).
No greater rest descends upon our hearts than the realization that we exist to direct attention not to ourselves, but to the Lord Jesus. Whatever our disposition - "Look at me… Don't look at me!" - peace awaits as we seek to be moons that reflect the light of the sun (Son). The Psalmist well knew such a blessed deliverance and privileged responsibility. We close with his pointed determination to deflect and direct…
"Not unto us, o Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy Name give glory, for Thy mercy and truth's sake!"
(Psalm 115:1)
Weekly Memory Verse
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.
(I John 3:2)
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