Mirror

She had two mirrors as her props; both were long slender mirrors that you would put on the back of a door, one without blemish, presenting a clear image, the other visually damaged presenting a tattered reflection. These mirrors have been part of Pam Thompson's visual presentation in bible study for the past few weeks.  When we look in a mirror, we know what we want to see, what we would like to see and what we want to be.  And many times we dress up to present a good front on the outside while we are shattered on the inside.  

Our true character is reflected in our authenticity. We look around at people who seem to have it all together, but the truth is, everybody has got something, some are just better at dressing it up than others. We all have flaws, and the truth is: aren't we most comfortable to be with someone who admits theirs? Someone who is not so consumed with making as lofty impression as they are with being real.  I have had conversations with folks who are all about building themselves up to make themselves look better, as well as visits with people who are humbled by their blessings in spite of their trials, you have too.  Now which one was a more enjoyable?

To me, it is the one realizes that in spite of life circumstances stinking, or dreams hammered, or struggles unfixed, they maintain a faithful and expectant attitude of hope.  A hope that through God, with God and by God we have been created and are being built to reflect the truth and promises that we live by in knowing and trusting God.  It is such a paradox that the very things that we often try to hide are the very things that God has given us to use in our ministry for HIm on this earth.

Everyday we thread the needle of truth,  for we are bombarded by distractions, lies, hardships and brokenness. It is hard to get through all the clamor and set our eyes on the truth, but that truth, God's truth,  is before us at all junctions.  It is through our very weaknesses that God's power is activated. I can't tell you how many times I have felt like that broken mirror, and I am sure most of you can relate. But I have come to learn that God sees that mirror that we have manifested within us; the one that the enemy has claimed us to be buried in defeat,  unworthy and ranked as junked status. As he lovingly watches he patiently waits for us to call on His precious grace to be poured upon us.  It is through that grace that God allows us to recognize a clear image our worthiness through His eyes, and as His will is reflected/accepted in our lives, the vision becomes clearer.   We can never achieve perfection on this earth; for that would defy the groundwork that God has set for us to trust him, have faith in him and depend on him and would defeat his purpose.  But what he did do for us was to create us in His image. 

   

If we look in the mirror and try to see what God sees (a child of his own, of great and worthy value, one who is loved beyond measure)  and take our eyes off of self, it is then that our image will be perfected.  It is not what we do, but what God does through us that is worthy of true accolades. No mater how hard we strive to accomplish and produce, if our efforts are only self motivated, then our results will be only a temporary success.  People strive for three things: a name, a worth and an impact and as long as we set our goals on achieving these worldly ambitions and leave God's will and His ways out of our formula, our image will remain in earthly consequence. On this side of heaven others will either praise or criticize us and it is all too easy to be devastated over the opinions of others. I have been there, and recently too!  But we have to learn to not take ourselves and our own efforts so seriously, instead take God and His efforts seriously.  God's approval is better than man's applause.

             

"Set your mind on things above, not on the things of this earth."  (Colossians 3:2)

    

Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we are suppose to be and embracing who we are in Christ. It is not about harping on our weaknesses but allowing God to transform those weaknesses through His strength. None of us have it all together.  We can dress life up,  cover life up and embellish life with stories of great success but underneath it all, we are all tattered and blemished. It is only when we look boldly in the mirror of brokenness that we will be blessed by the image of God's grace.  Being authentic is about being transparent, being real: it harkens humility, erases pride, promotes compassion and allows God's intervention of grace. We will only have a perfect image if we are allowing God to be the sight that we see in the mirror. It is not about the way we dress on the outside but how God has dressed our heart on the inside. For there is the image that God is most concerned with, and the one that we too must seek to transform to His likeness. 

2 Corinthians 12:9-12

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

Dear Lord, As we look in the mirror today, may we see our lives lived as a reflection of you.  And as we look, if we find only the wrinkles of time, and a shallow dulled image of life tattered and broken,Lord,  will you please pour upon us your grace and shine your light upon us so that we can see you clearly in the image that is before us; an image of someone who is loved without bounds, established with purpose and confirmed to be worthy in your heavenly kingdom.  Amen