What do you see in the mirror?
Dysmorphia has to do with not seeing realty. Perception isn’t reality. Sometimes we look negatively on ourselves. But the other side is also dangerous, denial. Denial is based on the fear we won’t like what we see if we look intently.
Growth and change only come when we are willing to be honest with ourselves about who we are and, not only that, but be willing to make the necessary changes.
Texts for this lesson will be easy to remember: Heb. 3:12; 4:12; 5:12; and 6:12
#1: Heb. 3:12: we need God’s people. In Heb. 1 the author says God has spoken, whose voice will you listen to? He is very clear about what He expects. He is clear in chapter 3 – we need God’s people. The people then were listening to the wrong voices. Example – the spies go into the land and come back with a report. 10 of them say we can’t do this, it’s too hard. The people are giants. Only Caleb and Joshua give a positive report. God has spoken. We need the faithful, the voices of truth around us speaking truth, eternal things. Sometimes it’s hard to see reality, in ourselves. A true friend will tell us the things we need to hear. We may not like to hear it but we need to listen, take it to heart and evaluate what was said and how we may need to change. We need deep relationships with God and with His people. Throughout chapters 3 & 4 the message is repeated – be careful who you listen to.
#2: Heb. 4:12 – we need to live God’s Word. Because God says to do it, we will do it, whatever it is. The Word of God is living and active and sharper than a two edged sword and piercing as far as the division of the soul and the spirit…. able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. James 1:22-25 – be doers of the Word and not merely hearers. We need to look intently into the Word and persevere in it. It is how we will change. We will each have to give an account one day.
#3: Heb. 5:12 – seek maturity in Christ. By following the Word, we train our senses to discern the difference between good and evil, he says in verse 14. Here is just one issue today affecting us – people are addicted to their phones. It affects our relationships, causes us to neglect something much more important. Part of seeking maturity is getting rid of the distractions that weigh us down. Also, we may not be focused on eternity, we’re more focused on the here and now and our decisions reflect that focus. When the peace of Christ rules in your heart, the fear of the world doesn’t. Col. 3:15 and Mark 4 make this exact point, about the condition of one’s heart, having the desires of the world rule in your heart. Setting your mind on things above is what Colossians 3 is all about.
#4: Heb. 6:12 – live with faith and patience. This is the end game. We walk by faith and not by sight. There is a trust in God that is the anchor of the soul. Faithfulness isn’t always easy but it is always worth it.
What do you see in the mirror? Do you see someone who is strong because you are strong, or because you are in denial? Do you see someone who hears and lives what God is speaking, or someone who sees and hears what the world is speaking?
