You Are Not Who You Think You Are

Do you ever look in the mirror and are surprised by what you find?  The pool of oil on your face is not how you hoped to shine that day.  And hair that is sneaking out of your chin or nostril should have been trimmed weeks ago (if not obliterated by laser removal).  You worry about just how long you have flaunted your flawed face to your family, coworkers and even the guy at Krispy Kreme. 

Looking in the mirror is viewed as superficial, but a little self check-up can save face on those mortifying days.  Personal reflection is just as important for your soul—although admittedly, less convenient than picking up a mirror. 

Two Fatal Misperceptions

In our spiritual walk, we view ourselves as a certain kind of Christian.  Life goes by, bringing new situations and many changes in life dynamics, but we may still hold a picture of who we once were.  We don’t realize how much we have changed, and we still think we are showing that old picture to the world. 

1.  The Glory Days.  If you are the person who doesn’t update your weight on your driver’s license, then you are living in denial.  You remember your best days, and that’s how you want people to see you.  As a Christian, you might remember your passionate days that were committed to evangelism, loving the poor and sacrifice for the glory of God.  When life gets busy, you get lax in your pursuit of His kingdom, feeling like you always serve, and someone else should step up.  Eventually, you become an inactive Christian, but you still believe you are the zealous Christian of your former days.  Take a deep look at who you are today, and while you are at it, update your driver’s license.

2.  The Hall of Shame.  You know your disgraceful past, even if no one else does.  Those memories weigh heavy on you, and you live with it everyday.  With God’s grace, you have let go of your sin and become a new person in Him.  The problem is that you forget that you are brand new.  You trudge along everyday in woeful remorse and don’t take time to see your new self.  Look at the change in yourself and move on from the you of the past. 

After you evaluate who you truly are today, don’t be distraught by what you find.  Cling to the grace of the Lord and meditate on 2 Corinthians 5:17 [NIV]—“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”