Have you ever looked in the mirror and didn’t like what you see? Remember going to the “House of Mirrors?” Remember laughing hysterically?

The Bible has been called many things:

• Guidebook
• Road-map
• Treasure-chest

The Bible include’s metaphors of itself too:

• The Bread of Life
• Two-Edged Sword
• Mirror

That last one is not as popular or well known; however, it’s a very important part of what the Bible is to us. We are to look into it’s pages and see if our lives mirror Christ. We call it being “Christ-like” or “Christian.”

Now, let me ask you again, “Have you ever looked in the “Mirror” (God’s Word) and didn’t like what you see?”

I have.

Many times.

And to think, I’m a pastor… AAAAAHHHHHH… I know, I know; the bubble just busted for some of you who thought that I was perfect and sinless. I’m sorry to disappoint you. Now, I can honestly say to you that I don’t “willfully sin;” however, I’ve certainly made my share of mistakes in life and some of them just hours ago.

My point is this — if things are to change, then the first “thing” to change is me! I must look into God’s Mirror and realize what I’m doing that needs change, and then take appropriate action. Now, I can also be encouraged because of things that I’m doing well and right, and this can build my faith to change my weaknesses to strengths. All too often we think everyone or everything else should change, when in reality, it’s us that need the change.

Now, think about this for a moment. Every 5,000 miles — I use synthetic — I get the oil changed in my Honda Accord. They also change the oil filter. They check other fluids and filters and make appropriate changes as is needed. The result is that my car runs smoother and cleaner. Now, imagine with me for a moment another scenario…

I’m driving along in my Accord and it’s sputtering and spitting, chugging and choking. Black smoke blowing out my exhaust pipe… Snap, crackle and pop under hood (and it’s not Rice Krispies)… and you see me driving down Bennett Drive, and I’m yelling at everyone else in front of me and around me, blaming them for MY problem… would that make any sense? Of course not!

I know I exaggerated the story a little bit there, but I think you all get the point. If we will just observe ourselves in the Mirror, and make appropriate changes, it’s a win/win/win/win = God wins, you win, the church wins, and the lost win! God wins because you please Him by being honest. You win because you become a better person. The church wins because since you’re better, you can offer more to the Kingdom of God. And the lost win, because they see genuine Christianity, not hypocrisy!

Go ahead. Take a long look in the “mirror” today. What do you see that needs to be changed?