Mirror Mirror

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” James 1:22-24 NLT

We all remember the story of Snow White and the Queen, who questioned the mirror. Today, let us each ask our own mirror: “Mirror mirror on the wall. Is there any integrity among us all?” Integrity means that we are called to live with purity doing what we know is right even when no one else is watching. Integrity is something that has slowly been degrading even within the Church. This has happened as a result of comparing our actions against the darkness of the world. Instead, we should be measuring ourselves through the lens of Christ.  Are we walking and emulating Christ’s life here on earth?  Anything else will result in us falling short of our calling.

During Christ’s ministry, he stated that he did the will of the Father (John 6:38). Later, as he is instructing believers (John 15:18-19), he proclaims,”If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” We all know the scripture,”Do not conform to this world but transform yourselves by the renewing of your minds” (Romans 12:2).

Christ was clearly consecrated. He was set apart and filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling him to complete the will of his Father. He spent time in God’s presence, and it kept him connected or centered.  Being imprisoned and beaten and crucified on a cross wasn’t easy for Jesus.  He even asked God if the cup, the plan could be any other way. But Jesus subjected his will and trusted God. He did the hard things. Even offering forgiveness to those who scorned him and took his life.

As sons and daughters, we are called to live a life set apart from the darkness of this world.  We can not live set apart if we measure ourselves against anyone or anything from this world. We should look to the Lord as our guide for how we should act or react in any situation.  He is the only way. He alone is truth and life. We can be light in this dark world or allow the world to dim our light.  This past month, as I have taken my eyes off the Lord, I have grown frustrated with what I see in the world.  The Lord has been reminding me to keep looking at Him and nothing else. I need to examine my own heart and actions. Determining if I am demonstrating integrity regardless of anyone else’s actions.  My pastor has this saying that he uses to challenge us, “Have some salt about you.” It means stand for what is right in every situation and let the Lord handle the rest. And be thankful for His grace and mercy always.  Amen.