We Are All Reflections

I used to love looking in these funny mirrors as a kid. One would make me look tall and skinny, and the other would make me look short and plump. I knew I was looking at my own reflection, but it didn't really resemble me. One responsibility we have, as Christians, is to properly represent Jesus Christ to our friends, families, and neighbors. But, whenever arrogant, mean, or self-righteous Christians try to represent Christ, they present the same quality reflection as these mirrors. When I think of this topic, my mind goes to the “Parable of the Unforgiving Servant” (Matthew 18). If you are not familiar with that story, a servant owed his master millions of dollars--more money than he could ever pay back in a lifetime. Remarkably, the master forgave this massive debt, and it is here where the irony begins! As soon as the forgiven servant left his master’s presence, he found a fellow servant who owed him MUCH less than he owed his master, but he refused to forgive his fellow servant and had him thrown in debtors’ prison. This ironic behavior is what makes me think that sometimes we, Christians, are our own worst enemies.

Let me put it like this, I am a human being that was born broken. I knew how to “swear like a sailor” by the time I was eight years old. I could also “spin a yarn” (aka lie) if I knew it would keep me out of trouble. I was so selfish by the time I was a teenager, my mother gave me her own personal car as a high school graduation present, and instead of thanking her profusely for her sacrifice, I was disappointed because it wasn’t a newer sportier car. Even as an adult, I find it impossible to keep a New Year’s resolution, let alone live a sin-free life. So, when a pastor came and told me that I was a “sinner,” my conscience knew it was true, and I placed my trust in Jesus Christ and asked him to forgive my sins.

The Bible teaches that God not only forgave me, but He gave me His righteousness. In other words, I am just like the servant in our story who was forgiven of more than he could ever EVEN HOPE to pay back.  Should I be as shortsighted as he? When the master heard what he had done, he called the unforgiving servant back into his presence and said, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should you not have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?”    

I believe it is a Christian’s duty to pass on God’s mercy to others. But, when people see Christians who look down their noses at others; who chew out servers in restaurants; who knowingly break the rules and then get upset because “grace” isn’t extended, it is no wonder they think, “If that is Christianity, I do not want anything to do with it!”

Fellow Christians, perfection is not an option for us, but dealing kindly and selflessly with others is. It is not only an option. It is our mission! And, if you are reading this and have never trusted Christ, do not let a poor reflection stop you from getting to know the "Real Thing!" You will never be disappointed if you do.