A kind of running joke I have with myself comes from looking in the mirror. I know who I am, I have an image within, mostly a subconscious one that is more 20-something than 60-something. So every once in a while, I’ll look in the mirror and think, “Who are you? Where did you come from?” I laugh and then go on brushing my teeth or hair. I was reminded of this while reading “A Jesus-Shaped Life,” which is our upcoming Bible study.

In Genesis, we are told we have the image of God within us. Unlike my sub-conscience view of my physical self, this image matters. It is God’s desire for us, the divine dream for humanity. We also have Jesus to show us what that image can look like. Not a 30-year-old Jewish man from Galilee, but a soul with certain attributes, like the ability to love God with all we are and to love others as ourselves. We hold a mirror up to our soul and what do we see? I don’t know about the rest of the world but the image in my soul is a little off par. A couple of challenging questions come to mind. Do we want what God wants for us? Maybe just some, but not the whole thing? If so, then why not? Maybe we’re not so sure it would be as fun as what we want. It may not be as profitable or even be safe. Others may take advantage of me if I don’t live life as I know how. Do we doubt the world would understand and we might be ostracized as being too different? It is just too difficult. We don’t want to be considered holier than Thou or a holy roller. Besides, we’re trying, but it often doesn’t work out. Even the Apostle Paul had trouble, writing in his letter to the Romans, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do” Romans 7:19. But Paul does not give up, but looks to the Holy Spirit for guidance and help.

I think the first step is listening to the Spirit within us, to guide us and help us when it is so difficult to do what God wants us to do. Even understanding what is best for our soul and life with Christ can be difficult. But Jesus will show us who we are and who we are meant to be. The Holy Spirit makes the changes possible. Unlike the false 20-something image in my sub-conscience, the image of God within us is real and makes a difference in who we are in this world and the life to come. Following the Spirit within us may seem like too much, but it’s not. It is a journey, maybe a long journey. But it is one that pays high dividends and is well worth the investment of time in this life. I think we all might be amazed at who we really are deep within our souls. Let’s walk together, help and encourage one another, as we seek to be who God has made us to be.

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

Pastor Rick