This Substack Newsletter, Faith and Flourish, is a way to share my Christian Journey as a 40-something-year-old through creativity and journaling. Sharing the ups and the downs, the struggles and wins, the trials and triumphs to not only keep documentation of my life but to encourage others along the way. I hope this space feels like a cozy corner to reflect, reset, and be reminded that God is present in every season.
Today, I get to be transparent about looking into a mirror and seeing Judas instead of Jesus.
The other day, I was on the phone with one of my favorite people in the whole wide world, my mother. She is my bestie. She was excited, full of joy, telling me about the progress of the children’s Easter speeches. She told me that there were 14 kids memorizing their speeches and all showed up to practice. She was so proud of them, in fact, she promised that she would give them $5 each after the show. Immediately, I somehow concocted a “better” plan and said, “You don’t have to give them $5, that’s $70. You could buy treats and toys, and give them “church bucks” and they can use that to get things from the church store.” Just as quickly as that came out my mouth, the Holy Spirit immediately put a mirror up, and I said, “Oh my goodness, I just pulled a Judas.” My mom laughed and said, “I just want to bless the children!” I had to apologize, I felt bad.
You know the story John 12:1-8
1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.
7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”
That experience hit me hard because I never want to be the cause of blocking someone’s blessing or causing them to stumble because they want to serve in their own way.
I thought about, what if I said this to a new believer who is on fire for Christ and I tried to redirect them and make them think twice about how they want to be a blessing and honor God in their serving and giving.
I was reminded of the time when I was a minister’s wife and was worshipping God and wasn’t bothered by anyone else, and a lady approached me and said, “I can’t wait till you praise God the right way.” I was floored, that stuck with me, that was 10 years ago. I was a baby believer at that time and I will tell you that season of my life was a wild ride. But all that aside, I can only control what I do and say and I again never want to critique, shun, dismiss, or devalue someone’s way of worship to the Lord.
Thankfully, Jesus is so forgiving and gracious, giving me time to see the error in my ways and changing from that. It reminds me the time God spoke to Cain and showed him the error of his ways. God didn’t kill him, He didn’t turn His back to Him, He came and spoke to Him…
Genesis 4
6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
Cain had an opportunity to see, learn, and do better but unfortunately, he chose not to and killing his brother.
God gives us a choice and another chance. He desires for us to grow closer to Him so that we reflect Him and not the enemy.
3 Things to Reflect On
1. We Must Examine Our Motives, Even When We Mean Well
Like Judas, sometimes our logic feels "wise," but it masks a deeper issue: control, pride, or judgment. Even well-meaning suggestions can reflect our own discomfort with someone else's obedience or offering to God.
2. Everyone Worships and Serves Differently, Let People Pour Their Oil
Mary’s offering was personal and extravagant. Jesus honored it. We’re called to celebrate others’ devotion, not critique it. Be mindful of how your words might influence or redirect someone's passion for God.
3. Grace Always Meets Us in the Mirror
The Holy Spirit's correction isn't condemnation, it's a chance to grow. God, like with Cain, gently shows us where sin or selfishness may be creeping in so we can choose better. Grace is the space where growth begins.
Reflection Journal Questions
Have I ever responded to someone’s service or worship in a way that might have discouraged them? What was really behind that reaction?
When has God gently shown me a moment where I reflected the world more than Christ? How did I respond?
What does it look like for me to create space for others to worship freely and serve in their own God-led way?
The mirror moments aren't here to shame us, they're indeed sacred invitations. God isn't surprised by our errors, slips, and stumbles. He invites us to see, learn, and turn. And the beautiful part is that every time we choose humility, love, and grace, we look a little more like Jesus.
So my friends, let’s pour our oil generously! Let’s worship freely and honor the way others do too. And when the mirror comes up, thank God for it. That means He’s still shaping you.
I am grateful for this experience to be able to share my story with you.
What are your thoughts? What encouragement can you add to help others as they read this?
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