A Long Look into the Mirror

Staying healthy and functioning in a turbulent world demands honesty with yourself and those with whom you share relationships. Honesty is obtained by looking long and hard in the mirror and asking yourself, “How far am I willing to go to satisfy my ambitions?”

A good friend ignored all the warning signs that told him to slow down and consider the price he was paying for his definition of success. He justified the absence of his inner peace by allowing ambition to sweep aside God’s word, “Do unto others as you would want them to do to you.” Did you get that?

At the peak of this friend's success and despair, God sent a messenger of hope, reminding him he could change and make amends for the wrongs he had committed. Ambition can be redirected for good rather than for purely selfish gain. Jesus’ ambition was to do his Father’s will regardless of the price, even death on the cross. It was for your benefit and your salvation that His ambition was realized. Give thanks to God for his grace and mercy.  

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Don’t do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves. And look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own. The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had.

~Philippians 2:3-5 Good News Bible

Now we see by a mirror and are puzzled, but then we’ll see face to face. Now I learn only a part of anything, but then I’ll know as He has known me.

~1 Corinthians 13:12 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

Fear Is Here! Flee or Face It?

There are two possible responses to fear. The first impulse is fleeing to escape being seriously hurt or, even worse, meeting your demise. The other response is to face fear with determination to resolve whatever is responsible for the conflict. When death seems eminent, getting your house in order becomes a priority.

 

When Jacob knew he had to face Esau, he was fearful this would be his last day to live. In his heart he knew he had to make amends for the sins he had committed against his brother. He also knew that whatever he did to make amends could never compensate for the suffering and pain he had levied against Esau.

Making amends attempts to repair broken relationships by apologizing for careless or intentional behavior and expressing heartfelt regret for having done so. Amends include replacing what was destroyed whenever possible. Sincerity of heart and mind demonstrates faith that God will bless your efforts. Sincerity activates God’s help. Can you do it?