Look in the
Mirror
October 27, 2003
If we're not open to correction then we run the
risk of becoming inauthentic. The religious leaders of Jesus'
day had developed an elaborate system of rituals (masks) that
enabled them to appear better on the outside than they were on
the inside. Over time they convinced themselves they were truly
righteous people since they so diligently obeyed all of their
man-made rules.
Jesus unleashed his harshest words on them because
they professed a high ethic but didn't put it into practice. He
told them, "You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful
on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones
and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you
appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of
hypocrisy and wickedness.” (Matthew 23:27-28)
You've probably noticed that hypocrisy is one of
those sins most of us can spot in others without seeing it in
ourselves. It's like bad breath. If somebody else has it you
want to keep your distance. But nobody can tell if their own
breath is sweet or sour.
Now, go look in a mirror. As you gaze at your
reflection, ask yourself, "Do I have weaknesses others can see
that I refuse to face. Weaknesses I pretend are absent or under
control? Or, am I the kind of person who is comfortable with my
strengths and weaknesses and allows others to see both?”
If after gazing at your image in the mirror you're
not sure, ask your spouse or a friend, "Do you see weaknesses in
my character that you don't think I know about?” Becoming like
Jesus demands we seek to be the same on the inside as we appear
on the outside. Achieving such character isn't a solo act; it
requires the support of family and friends. While the process
may be painful, it's worth it.
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