Philippians 3:17 Join
together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us
as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
This week I have read two different authors who muse about
the inner struggle between our actual self and the self we project to
others. One described the conflict as
shadowboxing and discussed facing up to the not so perfect self we try to
suppress. The other said that eventually
she did not know which of the two “selfs” she really was. Sunday I shared that
I was very happy that my best childhood friend would be at our high school
reunion this coming weekend. I credit at
least some of who I am to the example she set.
Scripture tells us that we are born with a “bent to sinning” as Charles
Wesley described it. And it suggests
that we can overcome that by imitating those who have learned to live a godly
life. John Wesley, even after much
success as a preacher confessed that he wondered if he really had faith. Someone told him to preach faith until he had
faith and then to preach it some more.
Do you feel that you are a “bad” person even though your behavior is
fine? Keep imitating your ideal person
and look to the example of Christ. And then claim who you are as a GOOD person;
letting go of the poor self image of your old self.
Lord, you know that
you have called us to be a holy people who live after the example of
Christ, the cornerstone of our faith and to be living stones sharing the Good
News with others. We pray that you will
be with us each step of the way as we become who we are called to be. In Christ’s holy name we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Paige
Paige
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