The Power of ReflectionSample

Narrow The Gap

Ready: 

“’… The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” – 1 Samuel 16:7b

Set: 

One of God’s purposes in our lives is to narrow the gap between our inward reality and our outward appearance. It’s a process called sanctification, where God refines us and helps us reflect the true beauty of Christ that flows from a healthy soul. 

To make that happen, God gives us a tool called personal reflection. It’s where we remove ourselves from the noise and busyness of life to take an honest look at who we really are and how we’re doing. But we must reflect through God’s eyes, not our own.

The following three reminders have helped me train my brain to see things from more of a godly perspective.

Reflect on your progress, not your imperfection. Celebrate your wins along the way to your goals. Reflect on how far you’ve come instead of how far you still have to go. 

Reflect on your future, not your failure. See past failures as fuel for future success. They don’t define or defeat you—they drive you. 

Reflect on what you can do, not what you can’t. The word “can’t” stops action. Every time you say, “I can’t,” it should be followed with, “but with God I can …” Reinforce good habits and focus on what’s possible, not impossible. 

When we focus on creating a healthy inside, both physically and spiritually, the outside will become an accurate and natural reflection of good health. – Jimmy Page

Go:

1. In what ways are you moving forward in your health and faith?

2. Describe what your health and faith looks like and feels like in the near future. 

3. List three things you can do right now to improve your health, make progress and create a healthier future.

Workout: 

1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 27:19

Overtime: 

Lord, as I reflect on who I am both physically and spiritually, I pray that You would transform me spiritually, which, in turn, would change me from the inside out. Let my outward appearance be a proof of Your Spirit living and breathing inside me. Amen.

This text appeared in FCA Magazine.