Mirror Mirror on the Wall

I stood amongst a gathering of women who were collectively sharing ideas on how to rectify a specific problem. I had a thought of my own and shared it with the others. The moment my mouth opened and words began to fall out over my dry lips, I instinctively heard the voice of a dear friend of mine as I repeated a phrase I have heard her use so many times before. And I soon realized that my response was not my own after all.

This little fact has stuck with me for it wasn’t until that moment I realized how much of an effect this particular friend had on my soul. And she is one wise woman so perhaps I was even slightly proud of myself for absorbing something of strength from her presence in my life for in my early years I couldn’t make the same claim.

In the Third Epistle of John we find a deep nugget of truth nestled among the page. The Third Epistle of John is a private letter written by the apostle John to a man named Gaius. The purpose of the letter is to encourage Gaius, and to warn him against a man named Diotrephes. The temper and spirit of Diotrephes was full of pride and ambition. He is often described by biblical scholars as the type of man who was vain and whose main object was to get his own way within the church.

Scandalous.

John’s words hold much insight into how our character is developed and often shaped by those whom we choose to give our greatest time and attention.

3 John 11, Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

As difficult as it may be, now it the time for us to look beyond ourselves and ask the Holy Spirit for greater insight into the character of those we call friend. We must surround ourselves with those who have gone ahead of us in life so that we may glean from their hard-won wisdom. We need to pay attention to the triumphs and failures of those who press into Jesus with everything they’ve got and are unwilling to let go. Those who know the truth that they would likely drown in a sea of despair if not for Jesus presence in their life.

And now is the time for us to be on the side of wisdom and look at ourselves in the mirror that sits on the wall of our soul to see person that others see. A most difficult task indeed.

Father, help me to see myself the way that others do, and help me to flesh out the type of person you desire me to be. May your mercy and goodness and grace follow me all the days of my life. In Jesus name, amen.

 

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