Stop Tilting the Mirror

We have been doing some work in our basement and moving things around to do it left a full-length mirror leaning against the wall. The angle is awesome because every time I catch a glimpse of myself walking past it, I see a tall, slim version of myself that isn’t exactly an accurate representation of reality. Part of what I see is absolutely correct. Same hair style, same skin tones, same clothing… but the difference is in the proportions. It seems like a pretty good deal… if only it was entirely true!

In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus, he reminds them that Satan loves to get a hold of half- truths and turn them into angry, sinful outbursts. You know what I mean. Your spouse comes home tired and doesn’t respond as you would like and their fatigue convinces you of the lie... “you don’t even love me anymore.” Or maybe you are feeling justified in turning a cold shoulder because your spouse has crossed you one time to many. Our misinterpretations and justification are the kind of “lies” Satan loves to get his hands on, because, with them, he can create an angry spirit in no time that can destroy a relationship and cause homes to collapse.

Divorce rates are virtually the same in the homes of those who go to church and call themselves God followers as those who do not. Why? Maybe it is because we are all looking in a tilted mirror when we check to make sure that we are looking good and our partner is the one that is a hot mess. If we truly looked at the core of who we are, that place that God sees when He looks at us… the place where our behaviors are not white-washed with our own justification and validation, we will see ourselves truthfully.

Discovering truth is critical to our growth and development as one who is called to reflect the image of God in a world that is full of darkness. We cannot carry His light, in our home or in the world around us, if we are hiding from the truth of who God is and who we are. Do you want to be the light of God in your home? Do you want your kids to see Jesus in you? Paul says we need to start by saying only what is helpful and useful and will build others up. Get rid of the bitterness that is causing you to withhold the love that you promised for a lifetime. Dispose of rage and anger and words that tear down. Be kind and compassionate and forgive each other… completely.

Tilted mirrors only feel good for a second. When we go out to live in real life, our real self comes with us and it usually isn’t nearly as lovely as the one we have convinced ourselves is truth. Take a good look in the mirror. Who do others see? Who does God see? Who do you see? Is it time to stop justifying your anger or rage or words that tear down? Is it time to realize that someone else’s behavior doesn’t make your bad choice a good choice? Don’t repay evil with evil. Do and say everything as though there is the LIGHT of Jesus within you.