Sermon On Thought & Reflection

Esther Hicks, an American inspirational speaker and author once remarked: “Your life is but a reflection of the predominance of your thoughts.” Romans 12:2 confirms: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Thought and Reflection often feature prominently in our lives. In moments of peace and quiet, we may remember the times that we have experienced in earlier days. Perhaps the happier times that we can relate to and reflect upon with joy. This may give us a good feeling within. To aid this possibility, many people often create a record of personal and discreet daily events in a booklet or other form, known as a diary. This allows them to look back at past activities, which may include important memories. Thomas Paine, an English-born American political activist and philosopher once remarked: “The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.”

Diaries are usually considered personal, private and intended only for the eyes of the writer. Psalm 139:1-3 reminds us: “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.”

Thought remains a powerful instrument of the human mind. It probably resembles one of the most lucrative and beneficial features of the entire bodily functions. It is defined as an idea or opinion produced by thinking or occurring suddenly in the mind. Romans 8:5-6 states: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

Reflection is described as serious thought or consideration. Reflection can include the possibility of asking specific questions on current topics or trends to ascertain a true feeling. Analysing our individual emotions may produce goals of action or understanding. If we look in a mirror or stand by a stream, what we see in our reflection is what we are. Proverbs 27:19 reminds us: “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.”

In times of conflict or aggression that consistently prevail throughout the world, hearing or reading about war or unrest may often instil emotions of sadness, disappointment or discomfiture. We may feel unsettled about the future and thoughts of the restoration of peace and the return to normality may appear distant. James 4:1-2 reminds us: “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.”

War is not good, it creates death, injury and other severe problems such as a shortage of food and supplies. It can certainly affect one psychologically, with mental trauma not only to those directly concerned within the conflict but also with family and friends. It results in unrest and uncertainty which may last for prolonged periods of time.

It may cause anxiety and depression together with emotional distress. Deuteronomy 20:1-4 states: “When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

Peace can be considered sublime and masterful in its own way. It has innate power and humility combined. It relates to tranquillity and the absence of conflict. It provides steadfastness and reassurance within us. It equates to a Godly life. People who strive for peace show a strength of character above many. However, peace is not always easy to maintain. The emotions of some overtake the desire for peace. They become angry or embittered, they seek revenge or retribution.

Frustration may prevail. They do not stop to consider the effects that their actions may have on others. Life may be endangered. Severed relationships may occur. However, we should always remember that peace must be favoured as opposed to war. Peace allows better environmental conditions to prevail and people can live in harmony with each other. John 16:33 reminds us: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”