As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. (Proverbs 27:19, ESV)
As believers, we are to “let our light shine” as a witness to our Christlikeness.
I love to “people watch.” No, not in a stalking, invade-your-privacy kind of way. Rather, I enjoy observing people in public settings. Body language, mannerisms, facial expressions, interactions, speed of pace – sometimes these can be more entertaining than my favorite TV shows!
I recall one particular instance while visiting Disney World with a college friend. After spending most of the day there in the simmering heat of the mid-August, Florida sun, we were resting on one of the numerous park benches. I noticed a young family trudging slowly past us – the two very young boys were obviously tired and no longer under the “Disney spell.” Their tired, non-stop whining beckoned my attention.
Disney Drama
While the younger boy rested in the stroller his mother was pushing, his older brother stumbled along beside his dad. Over his shoulder he carried his token souvenir – a wooden replica of an early-American rifle. Although I couldn’t hear what the boy asked his dad, I suspected his negative response when I saw the dad shake his head “no.” The boy started crying and jerked away from his dad’s hand. As his tantrum exploded into high gear, he grabbed his rifle with both hands, swung it full circle, and “Babe Ruthed” his dad squarely on the back of both legs. Letting out a yelp of pain, Dad snatched the gun out of his son’s hands, stomped over to a nearby trash container, and angrily disposed of the gun. He subsequently returned to his family, grabbed his son by one hand, and forcefully led his family out of view. Admittedly, I laughed so hard I almost fell off the park bench!
Truthfully, looking back on that incident reminds me that people are also watching me as I go about the activities of my day. The Holy Spirit often convicts me with this question: “Do people see Jesus when they look at you?” As believers, we are the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Our lifestyles are witnesses to what is inside. Today’s verse says our hearts reflect who we are. Jesus also confirmed our mouths reveal what is in our hearts (Luke 6:45). Whether we realize it or not, the way we live, speak, act, behave, etc. on a daily basis is a direct reflection of what resides within our hearts.
May God so ignite our hearts that they shine with His love, mercy, grace, and truth each day.
Discussion Questions
- As people watch us live our lives, what do they see?
- How would you answer the question: “Do people see Jesus when they look at me?”?
- How can we cultivate hearts that brightly shine with Christlikeness?
