The Man in the Mirror

The Times, a daily national newspaper published in the United Kingdom once asked G. K. Chesterton to write an essay on the theme “What’s Wrong with the World?” Chesterton’s reply took the form of a letter: “Dear Sirs, I am. Sincerely yours, G. K. Chesterton. If positive change is to occur within the Vestavia church, I must be that change.

I have sinned. It is easy to see the flaws, faults, and failures of others. GOD calls me to see mine. The word of GOD is likened to a mirror in James 1:23-25. As I look into the Word, I see myself as I am in truth. I see my true self in GOD’S mirror. I have sinned in my heart. I have sinned with my tongue. I have participated in sinful behavior. The Word exposes me. I am naked and open before the Lord (Hebrews 4:12-13). With Peter I can honestly say, “I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8; NKJV). The heart and words of the Prodigal Son must be my own: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight” (Luke 15:18; NASBU). As I examine my flaws, faults, and failures, my heart overflows with thanksgiving for the forgiveness I have found in Christ Jesus, my Savior! Times of refreshing have flooded my heart because I repented. I converted. I changed. He will change your heart too: “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19; NKJV).

I must start with the man in the mirror. I must be quick to deal with my own sins before I seek to correct another (Matthew 7:1-5). If I think myself to be something, when I am nothing, I deceive myself (Galatians 6:3). Before I ever look to another, I must honestly examine myself (Galatians 6:4). I must start with the man in the mirror. Like Peter, I must forget about my brother for now (John 21:21). Jesus will see to him (John 21:22). I must respond to the call of Christ: “You follow Me” (John 21:22). I must be honest about what I see (James 1:24). I must trust in GOD to mold me and make me into the image of Christ (Jeremiah 18:4; Romans 8:29).

I will be the change. Gandhi said, “Be the change that you want to see in the world.” As we work together in 2008 let each of us individually determine to be the change that will result in the glorification of GOD, the edification of the body, and the growth of the family of GOD. Together we can “excel still more” (1 Thessalonians 4:1; NASBU), if individually we proclaim, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13; NKJV). Be the change that you want to see in the Vestavia church!

Jason Cicero