The Lion in the Mirror

²⁷ So God created mankind in his own image,
   in the image of God he created them;
   male and female he created them.

Pastor Chad used this picture in his sermon yesterday.  Then he passed around a mirror for us to see the image of God in our own reflection.  I really enjoyed this aspect of "God in Us."  Usually we are more encouraged to see God in others.  That is an important thing, because it helps us to be more accepting of everybody.  But I think we need to really see God in ourselves first, before we can really believe that we see God in each other.


We know our own shortcomings better than anybody.  If we can actually believe that God lives in us and works through us in spite of those faults, we can believe that he can live in and work through anybody else.  We have to accept that reflection of a lion in our own mirror in order to see everyone else's inner lion.


If you were to look in the mirror this morning and really see the face of God reflected back, what would you accomplish that you might not otherwise accomplish?  How would you treat that annoying co-worker differently?  How would you tackle that personal problem that's been pestering you for weeks?  Maybe you would even find the courage to handle that issue that makes you nervous just to think about.


How can we really see God in our mirror reflection?  Will we see a light so bright we have to look away?  Will we surely die because we have seen the face of God?  No... it's actually only about perspective.  Genesis tells us that God made us in his image... so who's image are we going to see when we look in the mirror? ... Yes!  God's!  We simply have to think of that image as a God-blend of ourselves and God.  When we do, we will certainly know that we can indeed do everything, because God can do everything and he is a part of who we are.  And what's more, we will understand that everyone else on earth has that same power to do everything because they are also made in the image of God and God is a part of who they are.  


Understanding ourselves and others through this perspective can change our whole outlook of ourselves, others and life in general.  Look in the mirror.  Who do you see?


Lord God,
Help us to see you in ourselves and in others.  Let this perspective be the driving force of our daily living.  Amen.


Joys:  Celebrating Kevin's birthday; Daniel dropping by to wish his brother happy birthday; an extra mountain hike this week