Polluted Streams

"The birds nest beside the streams and sing among the branches of the trees." Psalm 104:12

Few things are more peaceful than a gently flowing stream or a babbling brook.  They tend to center the soul and wash away the cares of the world.  They remind us of all that is good, all that is God.

But what happens when you see trash or pollution in a stream?  It tends to have the opposite effect, doesn't it?  We tend to think, "What a waste!" Or, "How very sad and disappointing!"

You and I are like these streams.  When we live our lives in purity, following the teachings of Jesus, we are a beautiful reflection of our loving Heavenly Father and we prove we are His.

2 Corinthians 6:6 says, "We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love."

Yet if we follow the polluted culture around us, even those who don't follow the teachings of Jesus tend to look at our lives with sadness and disappointment thinking, "What a waste! I thought he/she was a Christian, but just look at the way they live! They could've been/done so much more."

Romans 12:2 tells us, "Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect."

When God gives us a new mind, He changes our heart, too. And our life becomes a beautiful reflection of Him.

I don't know about you, but I'd like the birds to nest nearby and I'd like to hear them singing among the branches.

"As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person." Proverbs 27:19

Goodnight, Runners.