Reflective Practitioners

            The book of Deuteronomy finds the people of Israel on the cusp of entering the land God has promised to them.  They have endured 40 years of hardship wandering through the desert due to their disobedience and faithlessness.  During that time, they have come to rely on God for their provision, their guidance, and their protection.  An entire generation has passed away, and a renewed people look into their future.

            But the first three chapters look backward rather than forward.  When I was studying education at Lipscomb, I was acquainted with the concept of a "reflective practitioner."  Imagine a mirror.  When you look in a mirror, you see yourself exactly as you appear.  Not only this, but you are able to see behind you; metaphorically speaking, you see where you've come from.  A reflective practitioner is one who stops to examine where he is, and where he's come from, so as to press forward in the best possible manner.

            Moses reiterates to the people where they've been, and where they are now.  He reminds them of their failures, but also reminds them of the glorious future that awaits them if they will only have faith and obey.  Have you taken time recently to reflect on your walk with Christ?  Have you examined your own faith story, seeing where you've come from and where you are now?