2:152 – Seeing Your Reflection In Others

#faithbites #faithjourney reflection

My kids were in rare form today. From being crazy exited to yelling at each other and driving us nuts. It was close to losing my cool several times.

As I watched their ‘fight’, the was taken a back as many of their responses were my responses. I was looking at my ow reflection in the mirror. Sometimes, I love seeing how they reflect my behavior, other times, like today, it makes me regret how I’m training them up

The good thing, unlike my reflection in the mirror, is I can change the behavior the model.

Scripture

• Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity – Titus 2:7
• Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it – Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)
• Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. – Deuteronomy 11:9

Reflection

We are far from perfect. There is no think as a perfect parent. And yes forgiveness runs rampant in our house.

Being a parent (and I don’t just mean biological) is a role many of us play. Then we see how the children become our reflection. We are charged with training up a child in the right way. Which includes scripture lessons to help them know their father and follow him.

I am thankful for the moments when I see my children behave in ways I don’t want them to. Especially when they are emulating my behaviors. While I don’t approve of the behavior, it is a reflection on me, and allows me to change my ways.

We should be models in all we say and do. Sometimes we fall short, but Jesus forgives, and we get another chance.

Charge

How often to you look in the mirror? Look at your children and those around you. When you see your reflection in them, is it how you want to be perceived? If not, think of ways you can change your behavior to train others up the right way. Baby steps for sure.

Prayer

Gracious God, thank you for my children and the power to influence them. Help all of us to realize that many of the behaviors we see in others is a reflection on us. Forgive us as we make mistakes and pass on bad behaviors to others. Give us to courage to look in the mirror and make the hard choices to change our behavior. In your name, Amen.