Look at the Right Mirror
By David Faust
Do you ever step into an elevator that has mirrored glass walls and feel surprised by the way you look? I see myself every day in the bathroom mirror at home, but in the changing room at the clothing store, things look different. Maybe it’s the light or the angle of the glass, but a different mirror reveals aspects of my appearance I otherwise tend to overlook. Have I put on a few pounds? Is my hair really that gray?
It’s good to take a fresh look at ourselves now and then, because most of us gravitate toward one of two extremes and see ourselves as either heroes or zeroes. Narcissists make themselves the center of attention. Others, who are self-effacing, mentally beat themselves up and constantly review their flaws.
In his book The Self-Aware Leader, John Maxwell points out that those who lack self-awareness don’t realize how they come across to others. He recommends what he calls the Mirror Principle: “The first person we must examine is ourselves.”
THE MIRROR OF TRUTH
Like a mirror, Scripture reflects reality. How foolish it would be to gaze in a mirror and see dirt on your face, but instead of washing your face, you simply walk away and forget about the dirt! According to Jesus’ brother, that’s what it’s like when we hear God’s truth but don’t practice it (James 1:22-24).
David modeled healthy self-awareness when he wrote, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). Without defensiveness and with remarkable transparency, David invited the Lord to search his heart.
Likewise, Paul made himself vulnerable in Romans 7. Despite his best efforts, the great apostle admitted he often found himself doing the very things he hated! If you ever feel like a spiritual failure, remember this: One of the world’s most influential Christian leaders wrote, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” (Romans 7:24). Aren’t you glad Paul didn’t stop with that verse? He went on to say, “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (v. 25).
Many of us can identify with Paul’s struggle described in Romans 7; the answer to those struggles isn’t found in our own human efforts, but in the Spirit-filled life he described in Romans 8.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). The Holy Spirit lives in us (v. 9), intercedes for us (v. 26), and makes us “more than conquerors” (v. 37).
If you base your self-image on what others think about you—or pamper your ego with an inflated sense of self-importance—you’re looking at a contorted mirror. But if you want to develop healthy self-awareness, it’s better to look in the clear, undistorted mirror of God’s Word and heed the practical lessons found in Romans 7 and 8.
- Don’t pretend. Be honest with God about your weaknesses and struggles.
- Don’t give up. You aren’t in the battle alone. God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit will help you.
- Don’t despair. You may not be a hero, but you aren’t a zero. Despite your struggles and imperfections, nothing can separate you from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35-39).
Personal Challenge: In your personal journal or on a piece of paper, write your own “Romans 7.” Be honest and vulnerable as you pour out your heart to the heavenly Father about your inner struggles and temptations. Then write your own “Romans 8,” expressing gratitude for God’s love and the power of his Holy Spirit, who gives you victory over sin and death.
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