Confucius said: "By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest." Reflection is really a combination of what we are learning right now based upon our consideration of past experiences. We are going through something right now, but the events and outcomes of the past play a big part in how we 'interpret' the present situation. We spend time thinking about what we have already learned (past events) and what it is God is trying to teach us right now, don't we? Psalm 119:15 reminds us to study God's commandments and reflect on his ways. Psalm 119:55 tells us the result of that reflection: "I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions." Obedience is to be the outcome of reflection! In observing God's actions throughout scripture, we come to a place of learning when he will act, how it is he will do s...
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” (I Timothy 4:8 NLT) The present life seems to get a whole lot of our attention, but not always in a way that adds value to our lives in the long run. Some of the attention we give it is momentary - like good personal hygiene. It needs continual focus or the value of that 'hygiene' fades/wears away. Before long, we need to refocus on it once again. Our spiritual life is no different - it needs renewed focus from time to time because the effect of it has faded a bit or worn away. The more we focus on whatever gives lasting value (like the study of scripture or time in worship), the more we find the renewal we are experiencing isn't really our doing - it is God's. The value to us is realized because he has added it through getting to know Jesus just a bit better. For some of us, the life to come gets far less attention that the life we have in ...