“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

— Philippians 4:8

Whatever we hide in our hearts reflects in our behavior, and our behavior reflects our hearts to the world. If you could see your heart in a mirror, what characteristics would that mirror reflect?

A family decided to move to a town across the river from where they lived. They could only cross the river by sailing on a large raft. The family members asked the man who operated the raft, “What kind of people live in our new town?” He said, “Well, what kind of people did you find in your old town?” They said, “Oh, these were the most wonderful people—loving, caring, kind, and thoughtful. We really hate to lose them.” The man replied, “Well, I think you’ll find that the people in your new town are the same kind of folks.”

A week or so later, another family sailed across the same river on the same raft. The family members asked the man the same question as the first family, and they received a similar response: “What kind of people did you find in your old town?” This family said, “Oh, those folks. What a bunch of no-good, low-down cutthroats. They would lie about you, talk about you behind your back, and gossip. They’re malicious and vile. We couldn’t wait to get away from them.”

Each family had attracted people who mirrored their own behavior and would continue to do so no matter where they moved. In the same way, what we reflect to the world affects the environment around us. If we want to impact people to become loving, truthful, noble, pure, and virtuous, then we need to reflect those characteristics from our hearts.

Here are some Scriptures to hide in your heart that will reflect well in the world. “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). “For all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). “A soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). “A man who has friends must himself be friendly” (Proverbs 18:24).

Today ask God to show you how you can better reflect godly characteristics to those around you. Then put into practice anything He asks of you. As you obey, God will use you to impact your world.

“The world is a looking glass and gives back to every
man the reflection of his own face.”
William Thackeray