Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall
We count on mirrors to show us our physical appearance, oftentimes looking in them several times a say. But what about the other mirrors in our lives? What do our bank accounts and calendars reflect about who we are and what is important to us?
In Matthew 6, Jesus says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When you look at how you spend your money and your time, what do they reflect? And are you happy with what you see? What do you imagine Jesus would say if he were looking in those mirrors with you?
I think Jesus would tell me to quit taking the easy route. He’d say to keep taking canned goods to our local food ministry, but to also spend my time on acts of stewardship that push me out of my comfort zone and in relationship with the very people he sought out throughout his ministry.
I imagine Jesus would invite me to be honest about how many hours I spend on Instagram and watching tv, and I bet he would take my phone away and replace it with my Bible!
Finally, I think Jesus would look at my last month’s spending and ask me what I bought that I didn’t really need. He’d challenge me to live on less so I could give more for God’s work in the world.
We sometimes look in mirrors and don’t like what we see, whether that’s our hair on any given day, or the tough reflections of how we use the time, talent, and treasure God has entrusted to us.
But here’s the good news and the grace: mirrors don’t define us. What we see when we examine our spending and calendars gives us the opportunity to change and grow as both stewards and disciples.
So let’s take a long, hard look in the mirror. As we do so, let us thank God for the reflection and for His presence as we seek to be the faithful and generous people He created us to be.
Beyond the Mirror: Three Practical Steps for Change and Growth
- Review your spending. What surprises you? What makes you happy? Where would you like to spend more or less? And if Jesus were to review with you, where would he find your heart based off where he finds your treasure?
- Review your calendar. How much time did you spend last month at work, with your family, at church, in service, etc.? Where are there chances to better steward your days in ways that bring you closer to God?
- Start small. Pick one “treasure change” to make, like cutting a few meals out a month and put that money towards causes that matter to you. Set a goal for using your time differently; if a morning devotion is already part of your routine, consider adding one midday or in the evening as well.
