Reflections4Life: "Look In The Mirror"

Reflections4Life October 13^th, 2013

“Look In The Mirror”

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 4:28-30; 1 Chronicles 28:8-10; Job 5; Jeremiah 29:11-14...

There will always be plenty of blame to go around. There will always be someone to point a finger at, and to place the blame on for the things that have gone wrong. Yet, there comes a time when we must look within. We must take a look in the mirror and do a self inspection of our own actions, and take responsibility accordingly.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow this week to find you in the presence of God, seeking His will for your life, and searching of your heart. Run towards the truth, not away from it. Embrace it so that you may live your truth, and walk in the peace of God and His understanding.

At this very moment, there are many people who are suffering needlessly at the hands of another. There are lives being torn apart because of the decisions of another. For many, it may feel that God does not hear them. That, He has closed His ears to their call. For their pain is so great, that they are having a difficult time in holding on to their faith. It is my prayer that they would hold on, and not let go of God. Hold on tight and continue to seek God and to have faith that their troubles will not last. To believe with all their heart, that God is showing up, and He will be right on time.

At the same time, there are those who have inflicted this hurt and pain. There are those who have caused much suffering for themselves and others, yet deny their actions. They remove themselves from the equation, trying to place the blame on another; never taking responsibility for their actions. It is my prayer that they will soon repent, and do what is necessary to rectify, amend, and recompense for their actions.

We all have fallen short of God's glory. There are things that we may have done and will do that is not in the best interest of others, and sometimes not even in our own best interest. It is time for us to take responsibility for our actions. It is time for us to look in the mirror, and do a self evaluation of our actions. It is time for a heart check.

It is very easy to point the finger and to blame another when things in our lives do not go the way we want, or when something we did or did not do causes suffering for another. Many do not take responsibility for their actions, because they do not have the courage to face the consequences. It is hard for many to admit when they are wrong; when they have made a mistake. What is it that keeps us from admitting our faults? Pride.

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.

Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.

There are times in our lives when we will make mistakes. There are times when we will be wrong in our actions and our decisions. And because of this, we may bring harm or hurt to others. We must learn to take responsibility for our actions. We must learn to humble ourselves and repent for the things we have knowingly done. And for those things we do not know, when God reveals them, be accountable and have a repentant heart.

For some, it is hard to accept that their lives are not quite going the way they would like or hope because of something they have done. Their actions have led to certain situations in their life, and they refuse to accept that it was what they did or did not do that created the situations that they are currently faced with.

Our lives can become stagnate and hold much pain and disappointment when we do not take responsibility for the decisions we make, and the actions we take. We must learn accountability. Too often we do not hold ourselves accountable to anyone. Without accountability, we run the risk of becoming insensitive to others. We risk walking a line that teeters on self-destruction and reckless abandonment between what is right and wrong. And our actions, more often than not, will hurt others while we hold no obligation to answer for our actions, but rather blame others.

The time is here for us to take a long look in the mirror, and to reflect upon the decisions we have made concerning our lives. For too long, many have been evading the truth, while others in our lives have suffered the consequences of our actions, and our lack of accountability.

Parents have an obligation to protect and take care of their children; to put the needs and safety of their children as a priority. Spouses have a responsibility to each other; to honor their vows and to be present and accountable in their marriage. Employees have an obligation to do their best on their job; to put in the hours necessary to earn their paycheck. Employers have an obligation to their employees to ensure that they are treated fairly, and that their earnings are conducive to the work they put in. They are responsible for making certain that there is a safe work environment, also. The government has a responsibility to the people. The government is suppose to be for the people and to protect the people and act accordingly in the best interest of the people.

Sadly, we all know too well what occurs when the above mentioned DO NOT act accordingly. When, they act in a manner in which there is no accountability or responsibility for their actions. Blame gets cast on others. Destruction begins to take place. Chaos ensues. And in the end...lives are destroyed.

It is time to take a look in the mirror. Take a look at our own actions, and repent. We can no longer point our fingers at others and do not first look at self. Until we can honestly look at ourselves, and be accountable for the the choices we make; then we will continue to have the same results in our lives.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 11 For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’

I decree that the word of God is stirring you to action and repentance. May the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally,mentally, socially, and financially. Take a long look in the mirror. Allow God to reveal some things to you. Take responsibility for your actions, always. Be accountable to someone. Do not be quick to blame another when you have not first looked at self. Let God show you and lead you. He loves you abundantly. You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.