"When all Israel heard the king's decision, the people were in awe of the king, for they saw the wisdom God had given him for rendering justice.
1 Kings 3:28
For they saw. This is a huge statement concerning our young king. An effective king must have the respect of his people. This judgement between the two mothers assured the Israelites they were being ruled by a just and fair king who is capable of making tough decisions.
What do people see when they look at me? What is my reputation among God's people? Reputation means the estimation in which a person or thing is held, especially by the community or the public generally. As I think of my reputation "bJ" (before Jesus) I am ashamed. I know I was a great disappointment to my Father. I cared too much about what others thought of me and whether or not I fit in with the crowd than in knowing or taking any value in His Word and representing Him and His truths in my community.
My reputation in the community now, "aJ" (after Jesus)? My desires have changed. Being part of the crowd and fitting in is not important anymore. His Word and its application to my life is paramount to me. I know there are times when I am still a disappointment to my Father however, I pray that the words of my mouth, mediations of my heart, and actions of my life are pleasing to Him and positively reflect Him in my community.
What does the community see when they look at you?
6 Comments:
Wendy, I underlined that verse as well this morning and I'm asking myself that same question. "What does the community see when they look at me?" More specifically for me today is what will the community of Dr's see, nurses see, hospital discharge planner, community access care provider, long-term care facility home workers etc...see when they look at me today. Many meetings today as yesterday our family was giving an ultimatum regarding Dad's care. Neither choice is even close to being good, and those in "power" are threatening and intimidating and taking advantage of my sweet, 83 year old mom who is at the end of her rope. I am angry and frustrated and want to fight back...yet how is that showing Christ in my life? His example of answering not a word (when accused after being arrested) or lessons on turning the other cheek or giving the coat off your back seem so hard when situations seem unfair. Yet, above all, I long for others to see Jesus in my reactions right now. Praying for wisdom and strength.
Four words encouraged my heart in our passage today: "...our God is greater..." 2 Chronc. 2:5. Friends, our God IS greater than whatever situation we are facing. When our hands are tied, His are not. It doesn't matter what trials we are facing...marital, physical, financial, emotional, relationships, spiritual...whatever it be..."our God is greater"!
Claiming that truth as my day begins. Praying that Jesus IS seen in me today.
Hugs,
Joy
Dear Joyful,
Your situation today presses strongly on my heart...perhaps because my own father passed away 3years ago yesterday at the age of 58 after battling cancer for 2 years. Like you, we endured many injustices in his care and had many tough decisions to make including the decision to place him in a hospice in his last week when he had wanted to die at home. It was simply not possible - his level of care was too great.
Lifting you up in prayer today dear sister, that God grant you the wisdom to make the tough choices. May God soften the hard hearts at the hospital today and open the doors that need opening. May He pour out His spirit upon you, shelter you in his wings and grant you comfort and peace. I will be thinking of you today - good luck!
xoxo - Jodie
Good Morning Sweet Friends,
Most always, :) the "community" sees a very patient & giving person, willing to give a helping hand or offer a listening ear...
However, "the family," does not always get this "Proverbs 31,"
gal's face looking at them! God is working in me. Just yesterday on a Family Life broadcast I was listening to this topic as I was driving in my car. They happened to be discussing teenager's view of their parents! One study suggested that it is the "facial" expressions that can say the most! I thought about this off/on for the rest of the day. Ouch! I know there are times when I just have things I'm pondering...things on my mind...too much to do, etc. My face, even tho I'm not saying it, does not---I'm sure, suggest joy and peace! Also, I have a much more difficult time curbing my words with my teenager's than anyone else. Except my mom, I guess! I can really give to her too! This is something I need to turn over every single day. Oh, how I want to be a light to everyone one, especially my family! Submitting to God everyday and experiencing His indwelling presence. To know that the God of Heaven lives within me! The noise and confusion of the world allows us to seek our God, in the quietness and sweet harmony in our heart. How blessed we are! Giving thanks and praise to my Father. To know that He is always with me, and to feel so comforted knowing that I can go to Him all day long, no matter where I am at!
Hugs dear sisters,
Lori - AZ
Praying for you Joy! May God's Spirit grant you the wisdom you need to know to finalize the plans in His way. May you feel His presence as He guides you along each step today.
Psalm 143:8
"Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."
There is nothing that makes you praise God more than when you hear someone say, "I want what you have." That is a constant prayer of mine, that I will be light where ever I go and people will see Christ in me!
My prayers are with you Joy!
Isn't it amazing how the Holy Spirit works in us to totally change what is important! Each day, my goal is to live a life pleasing to my Savior and King! Have a blessed day!!
Many times this topic has come up in our praise team. As worship leaders in a large church, we have a higher visibility in the community. What do they see when we are not on the stage?
After numerous greetings at the store, the restaurant, wherever - I've come to realize that I may not know these people, but they know who I am. Then it is quickly followed by, "What was I doing or saying before they greeted me?!"
A continual reminder to stay hidden in Christ, so that it is His reflection that people see.
Col 3:2-3, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
Lk 11:35-36 "See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you."
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