While staring at myself in the mirror this morning, I realized that in the scurry of the day I had mindlessly left the house yesterday without remembering to brush my teeth.
As I reached into the medicine cabinet to grip my electric toothbrush I began to reflect on an image. It was not my own image staring back at me in the mirror, but I was imagining my dental hygienist who would soon be standing over me letting me know just how poor my daily habits of tooth and gum care were. This would be followed up by my dentist standing there demonstrating to a 56 year old how to properly brush his teeth. How humbling that moment would be.
In Galatians 6 Paul makes it clear that it is our daily walk that strengthens our witness for Christ. In the same way, the longevity of our teeth is dependent upon our day to day brushing. It is the daily habits that impact our life the most physically, mentally, and spiritually.
A moment of prayer as we take in the first breath of the day; the daily hug of a loved one that demonstrates the love that Jesus gives us; the day to day soaking up of God’s word - even just for a minute or two; These are the daily habits that move our lifetime trajectory closer and closer to the open arms of Jesus. These are the habits that bring glory to the God we serve. As we embed these habits we become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s guidance. As we embed these habits those around us become more and more aware that God is displaying His love through our lives.
Brushing your teeth daily decreases the chances of major surgery later in life. Don’t give up. Brush and floss daily.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Eric Bowman
Eric is our associate pastor, working with outreach and youth ministry as well as adult discipleship and growth. Eric retired from a 28-year career in public education as a high school band director in 2019 and is now living his lifelong dream as a pastor. Eric and his wife, Diana, continue to live in Henry County where they have been lifetime residents. They "raised" three children and are now making their best attempt at "raising" themselves.