A Reflection That Outlives Us
In a recent conversation, someone asked me a question: “Why am I here?”
This was not a question born out of discouragement, but rather one of seeking purpose in life. There is an important difference between the two, but perhaps that is a topic for another article. I believe this question is something every person must grapple with at some point. We all want to feel loved, wanted, respected, and useful in one way or another. We were created for community and to care for one another. Whether leading or following, we are all called to serve one another.
When we think of the word reflection, we often think of something personal. We look in a mirror or into calm water and see our own face reflected back at us.
But what if our reflection is not supposed to be about us?
As a believer in Jesus Christ, my desire is not for others to see me, but to see Jesus Christ reflected in me.
2 Corinthians 3:18 says: “But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”
As our conversation continued, I shared a thought that often comes to mind when considering why we are here: I was not created for myself, but for God. Because I was created by God and for God, the life I live is not my own.
I believe God has a plan and purpose for my life, but that purpose is not simply about me. It is about taking the spiritual legacy passed down through previous generations and passing it on to those who will come after me. There is great freedom in understanding this truth.
I do not have to pursue great wealth, strive for the approval of others, climb the ladder of success, or use my accomplishments as a measure of my worth or entitlement. Our time on this earth is short, and the effectiveness of our lives has little to do with the worldly possessions we leave behind. What matters is the lasting impact of a life that reflects Jesus Christ.
As the conversation continued, I was asked to share Scripture that might help us better understand this purpose. My first thought was Isaiah 49:5–6: “And now says the Lord, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, in order that Israel might be gathered to Him for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and My God is My strength. God says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel, I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’”
In this passage, we see God's purpose extending far beyond one people or one generation. His plan of salvation would reach to the ends of the earth through His Servant. And as followers of Jesus Christ, we have the privilege of reflecting His light to others, including generations we may never live to see.
May I pause here for a moment before sharing some of my own reflections?
Perhaps you are the first generation in your family to follow Jesus Christ. If so, I want to encourage you to begin a spiritual legacy that can influence generations to come.
For me, I personally know of three generations before me who understood this responsibility and passed their faith on to me. I have also heard stories of earlier generations in my family who did the same. I am a beneficiary of the grace of God reflected through their lives. They passed on something far more valuable than worldly possessions. They passed on a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ.
So, why am I here?
Consider a tree. Even a tree reflects its Creator. It produces seeds that fall beneath its branches, where they may be protected and given the opportunity to grow. Its branches provide shelter and safety for birds and other animals.
How much more can God accomplish through a life surrendered to Him? We are far more valuable to God than even the trees He created. May our lives reflect Jesus Christ so that others can find safety, protection, and room to grow in Him. And may those who come after us continue reflecting that same love and grace for generations to come.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Dan
This was not a question born out of discouragement, but rather one of seeking purpose in life. There is an important difference between the two, but perhaps that is a topic for another article. I believe this question is something every person must grapple with at some point. We all want to feel loved, wanted, respected, and useful in one way or another. We were created for community and to care for one another. Whether leading or following, we are all called to serve one another.
When we think of the word reflection, we often think of something personal. We look in a mirror or into calm water and see our own face reflected back at us.
But what if our reflection is not supposed to be about us?
As a believer in Jesus Christ, my desire is not for others to see me, but to see Jesus Christ reflected in me.
2 Corinthians 3:18 says: “But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”
As our conversation continued, I shared a thought that often comes to mind when considering why we are here: I was not created for myself, but for God. Because I was created by God and for God, the life I live is not my own.
I believe God has a plan and purpose for my life, but that purpose is not simply about me. It is about taking the spiritual legacy passed down through previous generations and passing it on to those who will come after me. There is great freedom in understanding this truth.
I do not have to pursue great wealth, strive for the approval of others, climb the ladder of success, or use my accomplishments as a measure of my worth or entitlement. Our time on this earth is short, and the effectiveness of our lives has little to do with the worldly possessions we leave behind. What matters is the lasting impact of a life that reflects Jesus Christ.
As the conversation continued, I was asked to share Scripture that might help us better understand this purpose. My first thought was Isaiah 49:5–6: “And now says the Lord, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, in order that Israel might be gathered to Him for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and My God is My strength. God says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel, I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’”
In this passage, we see God's purpose extending far beyond one people or one generation. His plan of salvation would reach to the ends of the earth through His Servant. And as followers of Jesus Christ, we have the privilege of reflecting His light to others, including generations we may never live to see.
May I pause here for a moment before sharing some of my own reflections?
Perhaps you are the first generation in your family to follow Jesus Christ. If so, I want to encourage you to begin a spiritual legacy that can influence generations to come.
For me, I personally know of three generations before me who understood this responsibility and passed their faith on to me. I have also heard stories of earlier generations in my family who did the same. I am a beneficiary of the grace of God reflected through their lives. They passed on something far more valuable than worldly possessions. They passed on a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ.
So, why am I here?
Consider a tree. Even a tree reflects its Creator. It produces seeds that fall beneath its branches, where they may be protected and given the opportunity to grow. Its branches provide shelter and safety for birds and other animals.
How much more can God accomplish through a life surrendered to Him? We are far more valuable to God than even the trees He created. May our lives reflect Jesus Christ so that others can find safety, protection, and room to grow in Him. And may those who come after us continue reflecting that same love and grace for generations to come.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Dan
Recent
Archive
2026
January
February
March
August
September
2025
2024
January
May
June
August
September
October
December
2023
January
February
March
July
August
September
October
November
December
2022
February
March
July
August
September
October
November
December
2021