The Man the Moment DemandsIhe Atụ

THE MAN IN THE MIRROR

When you take an honest look at yourself, do you see someone believing a lie or someone leaning into God’s design?

Here’s an exercise I find helpful in answering that question. Get a pocket mirror. Stare into it and recite truths from the Bible about yourself—words designed to dispel self-condemning thoughts. Here are a few ideas: “I can do all things through God who gives me strength” (from Philippians 4:13); “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (from Psalm 139:13); “God loves me with an everlasting love” (from Jeremiah 31:3). It may feel strange to talk to yourself in the mirror, but science shows that it can help people process emotions and thoughts. We also know, even more importantly, that the Bible is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit” (Hebrews 4:12) and its words have power.

I understand that for men, looking at oneself with such a level of intimacy can be challenging. In a culture that programs us to focus on the negatives and constantly strive for improvement, recognizing the positives in who we already are—and the fact that God loves us completely no matter what we do—becomes a significant task.

When I do this exercise with others, I always ask: “Do you love who you see in the mirror?” I ask the same of you now. Take a long look in the mirror and answer that question honestly: Do you love who you see in the mirror? I’m not talking about the way that man in the mirror styles his hair or the clothes he wears. Think back to how he handled tense moments or situations, what he’s been through, his regrets, his triumphs, and who he is now. Do you really love who you see in the mirror?

If you are like most men, the answer is probably no. Maybe even an emphatic NO! If that is true for you, don’t worry. Being honest with yourself about yourself is the first step toward becoming a comprehensive man. When you know where you are, you can move toward where God wants you to be: A man who recognizes and receives the purpose, freedom, and extravagant love of the God who made him.

Do you love who you see in the mirror? What truths about yourself did you learn from this exercise?