These verses in Matthew intrigue me. They are picture words describing the life we as christians are called to portray to the world we live in. This is the view that people in our sphere of influence should see, as well as feel, when looking through the window of our life. Have you ever wondered if your life is living up to the standard God created it to be?
That may sound silly to some people. For the majority live their lives justifying their actions in the mirror of the world instead of through the hands of the very one who knit us together in the womb. I find it fascinating in a way, that we as christians have found that view of ourselves to be acceptable; my how we have settled for less than what we truly are.
I have come to realize, that so many people have been stunted in their growth as ambassadors for Christ, because they have taken on this "false" persona. They live in a world surrounded by people who do nothing more than pat them on the back as they continue to do the same old thing, the same old way. To live in this "place" is ok, I guess. It is very possible to live a life less than what we were created for and survive, but who wants to merely "survive"? Would it not be more fulfilling to live a purposeful life, a life that is used by God to bring His glory into a dark and dreary land? Of course it would, because that is the very reason we are here!
Mediocre is NOT fulfilling and purposeful. We must surround ourselves with people who see us through the very eyes of Jesus, who love us for who we are, and SHOVE us to growth, even when it hurts. These are people God places in our lives to help us get to the next level. From that discipleship we grow in our knowledge of God, who He is, and how He wants us to then live our lives in front of others; then happens the domino effect of one life touching another, and another, and another...Oh the possibilities for God's Glory!
So what do I see when I look in the mirror? I see a broken, fallen, messed up girl who God has lifted up, filled up, and called into ministry to be used by Him. I often meditate on these verses in Matthew 5, because they are such clear and accurate pictures of what I want my life to be when another woman looks at me. To be Salt and Light in a world, to women who have been left out, hung out, and forgotten. God's promises are for all, and if God can turn my life into something this wonderful and blessed, then He can, and WILL certainly do it for anyone!
