Reflection – 2nd Corin. 3:17-18 – Serve God

 

This is Namma for Christ with the one hundred eighty-first inspirational message dated Wednesday, March 17th, 2021.  The title of this message is, “Reflection – 2^nd Corin. 3:17-18 – Serve God”.

The scripture for this message comes from the New Testament book of 2^nd Corinthians - the 17^th and 18^th verses of the third chapter. 

2nd Corinthians 3:17-18

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

¹⁷ For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.

 

The title of this message is also the title of the below inspirational song/video entitled “Reflection” as sung by Christina Aguilera for the soundtrack for the Disney Plus 2020 movie, “Mulan”.  “Mulan” is a movie (released in September 2020) about a fearless young woman who disguises herself as a man to battle northern invaders in China - “to save her ailing father” from serving in the Imperial Army. Although this is a movie – the “lessons” drawn from this movie – can help us apply “similar” lessons in our “own” life stories:

 

For example:

A “leader and a warrior” – does not “only” have to be a “man”

We can “all” be more than what others “see” on the outside

We can each “represent our Heavenly Father” – and be who “He” created us to be

And lastly…

We can “reflect” the gifts and talents that God gave us – for HIS GLORY, our blessing and “to bless others”!

See the below verses:

 

1^st Corinthians 6:19-20

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

¹⁹ Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? ²⁰ For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

 

“Reflection” is defined as:

noun

1.     the act of reflecting, as in casting back a light or heat, mirroring, or giving back or showing an image; the state of being reflected in this way.

2.     an image; representation; counterpart.

3.     a fixing of the thoughts on something; careful consideration.

The “first word” of the title of this message also is used as the “second word” for the below definition – “self-reflection”:

Self-reflection is defined as “meditation or serious thought about one’s character, actions, and motives.” It’s about taking a step back and reflecting on your life, behavior and beliefs.

 

As I watched the Disney Plus movie, “Mulan” -  I was impressed with the “live action movie version” of the 1998 animated version of “Mulan”.

The main character of this movie – “Mulan” – allowed “herself” to be fully used – in all her gifts and talents for the benefit of: her father, her family, her people and “herself”!

Spiritually speaking - I truly believe in Philippians 4:13 –

Philippians 4:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

This verse is a verse of - FAITH, PRAISE and CONFIDENCE in the LORD for what HE CAN DO THROUGH HIS HOLY SPIRIT IN US! It also states how we are to view ourselves – in the most positive way for being created by the Hand of God. We are to TRUST in His strengthening us through Jesus Christ who lives inside us – through the Holy Spirit!

The title and lyrics of the below song/video (with lyrics), “Reflection” IS a song of INTROSPECTION and SELF-ACCEPTANCE!  The below BIBLE VERSES all relate to how we should view ourselves and our gifts (according to scripture):

Ephesians 2:10

English Standard Version (ESV)

 

¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Colossians 3:23-24

English Standard Version (ESV)

 

²³ Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

 

Romans 12:6-7

English Standard Version (ESV)

 

⁶ Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; ⁷ if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;

 

1^st John 4:4

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁴ You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video (with lyrics) entitled “Reflection” as sung by Christina Aguilera for the soundtrack for the Disney Plus 2020 movie, “Mulan”.

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

 (If you can't see the below video: Please scroll down to the end - Under the rectangular box labeled "Home" - please click "View web version". You will automatically be taken to the top of the message - please scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 

BE BLESSED!