A Reflection

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 4:12-15

“Did you have a good time with your cousins, Ellie?” Mom asked as she turned onto the highway. “You were so excited to have them move nearby.”

“Yeah, it was fun, but . . .” Ellie hesitated. “I tried to talk to them about Jesus. I had it all planned—Bible verses to tell them and everything. I’ve been praying that Jade and Logan would trust in Jesus, but they weren’t even interested.”

“It takes time,” Mom said. “Don’t give up! How did your visit go otherwise?”

“It was fine,” said Ellie. “Jade and I had a fight, but then I apologized and we got along after that. And Logan kept beating me at checkers, but I tried to be a good sport about it.”

That weekend, Ellie and her parents visited the nearby state park to hike their favorite trail. “This is always the best part!” Ellie called as they crested a steep incline. She pointed to the sparkling mountain lake in the meadow below.

“What a view from up here!” Dad said after catching his breath. “The mountain is so clearly reflected in the lake.”

Ellie was fascinated. “That’s so cool,” she said.

“Yes, it is,” said Mom, “but after a minute, it seems like my eyes are drawn upward. I just have to look up and see the real thing! That’s even better.”

“You know, that reflection reminds me of how Christians are supposed to be,” said Dad.

Ellie furrowed her eyebrows. “You mean…because they should reflect Jesus?”

“Yes,” said Dad. “The apostle Paul told Timothy to be an example in all he said and did. When we trust God to help us do that in our own lives, we’ll be a reflection of Jesus.”

“That reminds me of a reflection I know,” Mom said, tugging Ellie’s ponytail.

“Me?” Ellie asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

Mom nodded. “You showed a loving attitude toward your cousins last week, even when they made you upset, so it sounds to me like you were being a good example—a reflection of Jesus.”

“Wow,” said Ellie. “I didn’t think of that!”

“Keep being a reflection,” Mom told her. “In time, perhaps Jade and Logan won’t just notice you anymore but will be drawn to the real thing—Jesus!” Jessica Dorfsmith

How About You?

Is your life a reflection of Jesus? Does the way you treat others mirror the love, kindness, and honesty of Christ? Telling others about Jesus and what He’s done for you is only part of sharing your faith. Another important part is showing Him to others through your actions. Trust Him to help you be a good example so others can see His love for them in you.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Timothy 4:12 Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be a reflection of Jesus