CHOOSE: TO REFLECT

Sorry for the inconsistency in today's entry title. Mostly, I've been using nouns and gerunds (verb forms which function as a noun) but today, only the infinitive phrase would do. That's what I want to continue choosing. Not reflection in general but "to reflect" Him in my life. To reflect in word and deed, the One who gave me life.

This simple reflection through my window pane onto the bottom kitchen cabinet brought up all this grammatical searching. Because of that, I changed the entry title from reflection  (noun)  to the  infinitive verb phrase to help me remember that this needs to be action, continuous action, in day to day choices of any believer.

And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:24)

Whatever happens, to conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27)

And to put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of God

(Colossians 3:10)

Believers everywhere, you, too, can choose "to reflect Christ. 

"tes-TEA-mony"

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10, NASB)

Walking worthy? Does your walk match your talk? Many people can easily and eloquently articulate their testimony, quoting scripture at every comma.  But....is it real or...just empty God talk?
Could others discredit your words by seeing the discrepancies in your life.
A tes-TEA-mony of a God-filled life speaks volumes. A changed life. Without self-exalting words.
Changed lives reach out in relationship. Lives that find their significance in the Lord are willing to pour into the lives of others. The fruit which they have cultivated in their own lives, (love joy, peace, patience, kindness....Galatians 5:22) is cultivated in loving ministry of service to others. All of this pleases God.
A cuppa sincere tes-TEA-mony can affirm, challenge, encourage and change lives. Celebrities, with media-hype, gather crowds and promote their views.....but, what people really want is to hear from someone whose words and life speak to the core of their being and touch their heart with truth.

Pour out to others. Let them see the Lord in your life

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27, ESV)
A lifestyle which promotes God, not self, is such a "manner of life." A worthy tes-TEA-mony.