Do We Reflect God’s Glory?

Do We Reflect God’s Glory?
Have you ever been on the other side of the audience — the side of the speaker who is speaking to the audi? I have, and I’ve learned to focus on the smiling faces and those with the bright and glistening “I’m with you” eyes, and simply overlook those mellow faces looking back at me.

You’ve got to hand it to pastors, ministers, speakers and leaders who can motivate audiences that are looking back at them with those seemingly unhappy, sullen and serious faces. I know some folks who really aren’t unhappy. They just can’t help it, because they have a natural frown. In fact, I often walk past a mirror or I see a photo that someone has taken of me that I didn’t get to pose for, and I think “Donna — be on purpose with smiling — think about Who lives big in you, and SMILE!”

It really is about displaying a happy face that is the outward expression of the inner peace that dwells in us. Check out this scripture: “Our faces, then, are not covered. We all show the Lord’s glory and we are being changed to be like Him.” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

We were just at the Mount of Transfiguration (aka Mount Tabor) in Israel, and we were reminded of how Jesus’ appearance was changed. “His face became bright like the sun.” (Matthew 17:2).

As I read scriptures, I’m more than aware of how God was extraordinarily on purpose with making an impression on those who were in the presence of our Lord. In that case, it was His “Chosen 3” — Peter, James and John (Sounds like a great name for a gospel singing trio, doesn’t it?), and that impression carried on to you and me by their experience. I believe the example of Christ’s glowing face is an example for you and I, to follow. Our face is the most public part of our bodies, covered less than any other area (well except for the coloring we girls add to the canvas 😉 ). It is also the most recognizable part of our bodies.

Just think about our schools’ annuals or the church’s directory or the family photos on the walls of our homes – they are all photos of our faces….not our feet. God desires to take our faces, this exposed and memorable part of our bodies, and use them to reflect His glory, His goodness and His mercy.

Our worship, praise and adoration to the One who deserves worship, praise and adoration will indeed change the face of worshipers. Proverbs 17:22: “A merry heart does good like a medicine,,,,”, and we just can’t be merry and joyful without a big smile planted across our face. This isn’t profound, but I know that a smile says “In spite of my circumstances — good or bad — I am blessed and I win!”

Maybe it’s time to do a check up from the neck up to see of we are exuding the love and joy of our risen Lord! Just maybe we are the only “Jesus” that others see, and I expect that He was full of the joy of the Lord! I love this photo that I like to think that our Lord looked like, so many times as He patiently led His Motley Crew of disciples!!