Mirror


 

Human beings continually want to get better.  Most of us seek positive change in our lives.  It seems there is something deep in us that desires constant upgrade.  The quandary is, how do we really get there?  Although the truth is that all of us are constantly changing.  Our bodies change, our minds change, and who we are spiritually changes over time.  The real question is are we growing or not?  Are we becoming the best us we can be?


People also desire to change the world.  There is no doubt that our world is in need of change.  There are many rights to be wronged.  Further, other people sometimes need to be corrected.  There are many misguided and misinformed people in the world.  Some folks can be so wrong.  Positive things will only happen if they change.  Except, except, this may be a very slippery slope.  Have you ever met someone who woke up in the morning and thought; “Wow, I know that all my opinions and perspectives on everything are all wrong.  Therefore my world view must also be completely off base.  However, I am going to continue to stand for all that I know to be false.”  I’ve never met anyone like that either!!


Jesus said, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in another’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to another, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from another’s eye.” (Matthew 7:3-5 NIV)


In the famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus invited and challenged us to think about change in a different way.  “First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from another’s eye.”   In order to participate in change that matters, we have to start by examining our thoughts and attitudes.  What are our false assumptions?  Are we basing our opinions on solid information, or do we look for perspectives that agree with our preconceived notions?  Moreover, change is not just about us getting better, smarter, or more successful.  It is about us becoming more open, humble, and human.  What are our hurts, pains, and fears?  What lies deep in our souls that we are: afraid of, think is ugly, or assume is unlovable?


We are all beloved children of God.  We are all called to journey with others to help each other become the amazing human beings God created us to be.  Realizing this produces lives that are truly and profoundly changed.  Now that does not mean we will always agree.  It does not mean that we have to sacrifice our unique perspectives.  Change is really about learning to honor, love and respect ourselves and others.  The change God desires is less blaming and more embracing.  It is less criticizing, judging, hurting, condemning or being vengeful and more awareness, caring, holding, understanding, and seeking reconciliation.  Of course God’s avenue for change is the change our world desperately needs now!  Will we dare to take the planks out of our own eye first?


Personal Reflection: from the 1990's

As a college graduate I was armed with a bachelor of science degree in psychology and ready to change the world.  Of course I knew all about projections and deep psychological awareness.  Well hey, I had read a few books.  Further, I figured I was in the most mature stage of all the psychological models I was taught.  I thought to myself, “of course since I know them I must be much more mature than others.”


The people in life who I could not stand were judgmental, condescending, and self-righteous.  I remember one day coming to a session with my spiritual director and complaining about a politician.  “I just can’t stand that guy.  He always lies.  Moreover, he brags about it.  It is all about ‘how to spin’ and ‘image is everything.’  I just can’t stand people who are fake like that.”  My spiritual director looked at me and lovingly said, “Boy, you really struggle to forgive yourself when you feel superficial don’t you?”  Bang!  Right between the eyes.  Mirror met face.  Face met mirror.  “Let's explore that, shall we?” she smiled.  Real growth and change had a chance now.


Today is God’s Present!


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