Reflections

(Proverbs 27:19 KJV)  As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

Is this another way of saying, “Beauty is only skin deep”?  If so, it also adds the second part, “but ugly goes all the way through.”

There is a very real difference between a face and a heart.  We can change the face with cosmetics.  We can only change the heart with long term discipline or surgery.  The word sanctification comes to mind.  Most Christians agree with the process of sanctification.  It is the gradual growth to maturity that is expected of us.  So discipline can do something to change what is reflected.

The Bible also reminds us that there is nothing we can do in our own power.  Thus, even the growth of discipline is a result of the grace of God, active through the Holy Spirit.  The Bible also tells us that this grace and Holy Spirit can actually change the heart that the discipline is working on.  Witness this verse that reflects on what was experienced in the upper room at Pentecost,

(Acts 15:8-9 KJV)  And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

We see this change expressed two ways in scripture.  Either way, change is demanded.

So?  What kind of heart did yesterday reflect?  What kind of heart do you want to reveal today?  Call on God.  Ask for the grace you need and the Holy Spirit that is offered.  Make it a day where beauty goes all the way through instead of ugly.