Who Is That Person In The Mirror?

by Rev Richard A. Kent
(Sullivan , In, USA)

Psalm 139:23-24

Have you ever been in a situation where you were forced to make a decision between what would be the world’s point of view or God’s Word? Has that time come where your faith was tested and you had to either stand on what you preach, or compromise what you held on to tightly as truth.

Most of us in the faith have had such experiences. Some stood strong, where others may have not. Thank God we serve a God of forgiveness, and grace.

In each and every Christian’s life we will be made to make decisions that will not only be seen by others, but will give a revelation of truth to one's self. The decisions we make come from what lies deep within us. They are formed by what we truly believe, and not simply the words that may be spoken randomly throughout our day.

In other words, if we honestly believe in something, then it is truth to us, and we stand on it. If there is doubt however, standing may be harder than we thought. How many of us have seen someone in the faith, say one thing and yet do another? How did that affect you?

Even more how do you think it affected that person? Even what seems to be some of the smallest choices we make, will make an impact on others, as well as in ourselves. That impact will be either positive or negative.

Let us for a moment turn away from simply the judgment of others and let us look at this from a personal point of view; meaning, how do these decision affect me? Often in the faith, if we are not careful, we can find ourselves walking in a carnal pride rather than in the spirit.

WE know the Gospel by heart. We hear it two or more times a week, correct? But knowing the Gospel and truly believing in that gospel is where the test of our faith will come into play. This test of our faith is not designed to hurt us, but to strengthen us. God already knows our weaknesses.

He allows this test to show us what truly lies within us. Remember the decisions we make are a mirror of what we hold as truth. Often it is hard for us to look upon ourselves. Our eyes seem to be upon the rest of the world instead.

If we as the church are to make a positive impact on our communities and in the lives of those around us, we need to be right within ourselves first. Who is that person in the mirror? I'm not speaking of appearance, or status in the community, but I'm speaking of our spirit.

Could the flesh be hindering the spirit? Would that person in the mirror lay down everything for what they say they believe? Would they take a stand, when all others would not? When they say they believe in God, are they saying they believe in ”a God” or do they believe “in God” , for there is a difference.

Let us rewind a little and focus on the last month. Let us look into all the choices we made, and the impact they may have had. Let us pray for God to open our spiritual eyes and to reveal to us those things that are not pleasing to him. Let us seek God for what we really are, so that we will be made ready in his wholeness.

Let us pray as the Psalmist did in Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."