Reflection

 

In the 1980s, there was no bigger star in music than Michael Jackson. Everything from his dance moves, that I could never do, to his red leather jacket, which I did have a pleather version of, was cool. He, like most celebrities, used his influence as a platform to talk about things he cared about, and of course, he did that through music. His song “Man in the Mirror” was his take on making a change in the world by looking inward and starting with yourself. 

Personally, I think it’s a great song, and the message is spot on too; if you want to see where the issues are, you need to look in the mirror. I was reminded of this very thing not too long ago when I was praying about ministry and some things that I thought needed to change in the church. I was reminded that the change has to start here and with me, but the question I always come back to is what does it look like and how do I make the change that I want to see? Well, fortunately, we have Gods word to show us what we need to do, and in Romans 12, we see the answer, so let’s take a look. 

Romans 12:2 says:

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 

Gods word is so clear on this; we are not to be molded by this fallen world and its standards, but we are to be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING of our minds. This idea of renewing literally means an ongoing renovation of our thought life that has to change because our desires are inherently not in line with Gods will. Our daily, hourly, and even minute-by-minute surrender to Jesus and His word is the only way we will ever see real transformation and begin to reflect who He is in our lives. Then and only then will we be able to live out AUTHENTICALLY the life that He has called us to live for His glory.  

See, while Michael Jackson had the right idea, he was missing the key part that no one can ever truly change apart from Christ. While it makes for a great song, you and I don’t know what real compassion and justice are, so the changes that we make apart from Christ are not only temporary but are really more selfish than helpful. So the next time you think about what needs to change in the world around you, look in the mirror and remember to start with yourself being transformed by God. Then, as He changes your heart and mind, you will begin to see clearly the change that needs to happen, and THEN you will be able to shine HIS light in this dark world.  

“There are three images in my mind which I must continually forsake and replace by better ones: the false image of God, the false image of my neighbors, and the false images of myself.” - C.S. Lewis

If you don’t know Jesus, then today I encourage you to look in Gods mirror. There you will see His law and the reality that we are all in need of forgiveness and grace, and only He can offer that. Remember that today is the day of salvation.