So, how do you look at yourself? I mean, when you look in the mirror do you like the man or woman you see?
If we really liked what we saw we could save a lot of money on 'fix-it' stuff. Someone once told me that we could wreck the economy of world for sure and almost for good if everyone just stopped buying cosmetics and anything else designed to make us look better.
Most people I know have a healthy enough self-image. But not all. And even those who like that man or woman in the mirror might not if they were stripped of power, prestige, possessions or popularity (the currency of success in western civilization). The current economic crisis is going to wreak havoc on a lot of lives. There's a whole lot of folks who are going to have to redefine a successful life if they're stripped of the means to buy the stuff that makes them feel validated. What? No SUV, no 5 bedroom house for our two bedroom family, no country club, friends abandoning us? It's going to be a field day for therapists for those who can still afford one.
The other night I gave a talk and used Ephesians 2:8-10. It tells us that we are God's masterpiece. His workmanship. We're his. We're not a masterpiece because we've done good work in our lives, excelling at self-promotion and self-development. We're His workmanship, His masterpiece because of what He's done, is doing and will continue to do in our lives.
Lots of people don't believe any of this. It's just religious junk. God stuff. Bah. Humbug. And when I hear that I don't know what to do. I don't know what to say. In all honesty, my first reaction when people reject God's best is that I get a little testy. I wonder ..."What's this person thinkin'?" And I want to rush to God's defense.
God, however, can defend Himself. For sure though God will want to use us to help those who don't believe pick up the pieces when their life shatters. And then I've got to be ready. So do you.
People who looked in the mirror yesterday and smiled are finding out things today that makes them want to cry. Who's going to be there helping them, in the midst of their personal chaos, to know that God loves them, that He wants to create them anew in His image and likeness and fill their lives with purpose and meaning?
It's got to be us. Are we going to be ready? If not us. Who?
1 comment:
Mike, great post and so relavant in light of all that is presently transpiring. These ominous times, also accelerate our need to depend on a God who will never let us down. Being stripped of material 'wealth' can be a good thing. It teaches us to also depend on our inner-self to validate who we are and to have more empathy for those we considered less fortunate. Now, marching to the same drummer and walking tandem, hand-by-hand, step-by-step, allows for a renewed sense of brotherhood and a fulfilled spirit.
Keep up the good work Mike, you are making great impact
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