CHRIST,THE CHRISTIAN'S MIRROR-JULY,2018

In the dressing room, we always look up for how we look in the mirror (in the literal sense). We always want to appear neat, nice looking and smart to other people. We are conscious of how we dress up and that is the reason why we always stand in front of the dressing mirror to check ourselves up.

In transport, the front mirrors of an automobile serves as a safety check. An automobile without front mirrors is likely to be a dead trap for the driver and his passengers. Safety is compromised without the front mirror. You cannot check out for obstacles and this could be deadly.

Similarly, Christ is the mirror of the Christian. We look up to Him as a standard and a measuring rod The Christian is supposed to be compared to Christ and not any mortal man. Christian living is the parameter of measurement in regards to Christ. Do we measure up to Christ? In Acts 11:26- “and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” In Antioch, the disciples of Christ were first called Christians because they were measuring up to Christian in their life in that community. Indeed, Christ was their mirror. They imitated and duplicated what Christ did. And so they were Christ-like.

The Church at Pergamum imitated Christ but they had a few faults which made them unworthy. Revelation 2:12-14- “"And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: 'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 'But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. 'So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” See also the Church at Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-20), the Church at Syrma.  (Revelation 2:8-11), the Church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7). Are we individually and collectively as a church measuring up to Christ’s standard? These churches tried to measure up to Christ but there were some few issues that prevented them to measure up. They were entangled with sin this was an obstacle to them. Christ was not their mirror in that state. Christ was compassionate, merciful and honest and we must measure up to Him in words(teaching) and deeds(practice) (Colossians 3:17).

 To measure up to Christ, we must take up our cross (Matthew 16:24) and resist the devil and He will flee from us. (James 4:7). When we do this, we will be equally yoked with Christ. Let’s run the race with endurance. (Hebrews 12:1-2).

If we do not allow Christ to be our mirror, we would be lead astray and our souls will suffer the consequences of our actions (John 12:48).

 Jesus Christ is our standard and we must endeavor to live up to his standard each day. Let’s continue to   look up to Christ as our mirror.

Thank you.