Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. (NIV)

My friend lives in a tiny apartment. Her living and dining room walls are lined with mirrors to make the space seem larger. I find myself walking into a mirror, thinking I'm going into the room beyond, only to find that it is a reflection of the room I'm already in. My friend keeps her rooms neat and beautifully decorated, because that is what she wants to see reflected back to her.

Just as my friend expects to see beauty reflected in her mirrors, rather than disorder, when we look out at the world, to a great degree we see what we expect to see — a reflection of our own expectations. Everything we experience passes through a filter of our own attitudes.

If we look at the world critically, that is what is going to be reflected back to us. Even in our own families, the characteristics that irritate us the most are in the people that are the most like us. The irritation arises from within us, not from the other person.

Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

Today's Scriptures remind us that God wants us to look at life differently. If we look for that which is pure, lovely, admirable, or praiseworthy, we will see it in the world, in other people, and in ourselves.

Prayer: Lord, help us to see the reflection of our world, other people, and ourselves in a clearer way. Help us to remember to focus on what is true. Amen.

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