6/10/09

Reflect on this

As soon as I saw this picture it immediately had an impact on me. Not only is the mountain in the background beautiful, but its reflection in the lake is magnificent. The sereneness of the whole scene just makes you think its time for a vacation. Why? Because it seems as if the whole world is just as it is supposed to be and isn't that what we all want and want to be a part of. It made me think of this Bible passage and how wonderful it would be if we (and I do mean myself here) just listened to the Apostle Paul.

Philippians 4:1-9
Php 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Php 4:2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.
Php 4:3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Php 4:5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
Php 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Php 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Php 4:9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
English Standard Version


Christians are supposed to be like Christ. It really begins by putting aside Earthly problems and focusing in on the fundamentals of Christianity and of course that means Christ. It involves our thinking and our practical application (verses 8 and 9) and is motivated by love (verse 1). Just like the reflection in the water really shows what the mountain is like, so we need to reveal our spiritual father. This is Paul's point and he could make it well because he lived it; Do we? Reflect on this and grow in grace and truth.