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MORNING MANNAFRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2000
A TRUER REFLECTION
Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles! Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands. When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your principles. Please don’t give up on me! Psa. 119:5-8 (NLT)
What an awesome prayer this is! How better can we express our love for God than by aligning our lives with His Word? Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” He also posed the question, “Why do you say that you love me and do not the things that I say?”
How better can we express our love for God than by aligning our lives with His Word? Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” He also posed the question, “Why do you say that you love me and do not the things that I say?”
The Psalmist wished for nothing more than that his life might be a reflection of God’s will. He wanted to know God’s principles, to understand them, and to apply them. He wanted to be able to read God’s commands without shame and regret. Isn’t that what we want, too? Sure it is! But the answer is not to do as some would suggest and water down the Word, to make it less harsh or more palatable. The answer is to face ourselves honestly in light of its truth and deal with what we see.
Isn’t that what we want, too? Sure it is! But the answer is not to do as some would suggest and water down the Word, to make it less harsh or more palatable. The answer is to face ourselves honestly in light of its truth and deal with what we see.
Sure it is! But the answer is not to do as some would suggest and water down the Word, to make it less harsh or more palatable. The answer is to face ourselves honestly in light of its truth and deal with what we see.
The Psalmist understood that he was not yet where he needed or wanted to be in his life. He asked for God’s grace, for His patience. He promised that he was making an honest effort to rid himself of misguided behavior. He asked for more time, more grace. Which of us couldn’t pray that very prayer right this moment? Which of us can look at the whole of God’s Word and honestly say that we have arrived, that we have reached the place of absolute holiness and spiritual maturity?
Which of us couldn’t pray that very prayer right this moment? Which of us can look at the whole of God’s Word and honestly say that we have arrived, that we have reached the place of absolute holiness and spiritual maturity?
None of us can say that. And that is just the point, isn’t it? To do better today than yesterday. To understand more. To learn more. To reach higher. We are, after all, models of Christ in this world. We are mirrors into which the world can peer and see the image of the One we love. How clear is the reflection in your mirror?
A Prayer For Today: “Father, I want my actions to reflect Your principles. I need Your help. I need Your guidance. I need Your grace. And I thank You from the depths of my soul for Your wonderful, merciful patience. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
