A recent study from the University of Glasgow revealed something quite surprising. It seems that when photographed, the human eye reflects the person taking the photo very clearly. Rob Jenkins from the University of New York says that “the pupil of the eye is like a black mirror” and reveals far more than what was first thought. What usefulness does this have? Imagine a hostage situation where the kidnapper takes a photo of the person they are holding… computers can digitally zoom into the eyes of the person being held and see a clear picture of the criminal.
The pupils reflect an image of what’s in front of them.
Our hearts do the same. So often we put ourselves around people that we shouldn’t… and their influence is reflected in our lives. We begin to talk like they do… think like they do… and many times slide backwards… away from the life that God has called us to live. The Bible warns us about staying amongst those that harm our hearts. Proverbs 22:24-25 says “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 echoes this concept with “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.” Find yourself angry? Bitter? Anxious? Filled with gossip or jealousy? Check your friends list. Perhaps it is the reflected influence of a “friend” that is causing you to see the world differently. Am I saying not to have friends that don’t believe like you do? No. You will (and should) hang out with people who are still investigating the claims of Christ. But if you are a Christ-follower, your closest companions…those that have the greatest influence on your life… should follow and live out the values of Christ as you do.
