A couple of weeks ago our church wrapped up a message series titled Man Up. The last week ended with the worship team singing a rendition of Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson. First of all it was Ah-Mazing! Not only was the musical portion great, it was a great song that got me thinking and my spirit moving. Even though the song was released in January 1988, a mere 31 years ago it is still captivating to me. While the series was more catered to men and their role in family, work etc. As a woman I really gained something from the series. When you really pay attention to the lyrics of Man In the Mirror imagine the words directly speaking to you.
I’m gonna make a change,
For once I’m my life
It’s gonna feel real good,
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right
I’m starting with the man in the mirror I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
(If you want to make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
(Take a look at yourself, and then make a change)
(Na na na, na na na, na na, na nah)
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
(If you want to make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
(Take a look at yourself, and then make a change)
(Na na na, na na na, na na, na nah)
I mean seriously how do those words not make you want to change. Especially in the climate of the world as we know it, and I’m not talking about subzero temperatures.
One of the hardest parts of becoming an adult especially a parent is how hard it is to realize that you don’t have anyone to depend on any more. In fact people are often depending on you. We get caught up in why things are the way they are and why can’t so and so do this thing or why can’t this thing just go the way that I want. It all seems so trivial but really it is not. I am going to say something and it may seem super elementary but the older I become, I am starting to really see the truth in it. Start with the wo(man) in the mirror. Why do we place blame on trivial and often inanimate things? One simple statement: I’m starting with the MAN in the mirror. Now of course that is not a blanket statement to just men. Women we can make a change to. Usually when people think about making changes they go all overboard and think they need to start a foundation or get rid of all their excess baggage but really making a change can be as simple as being kind to the next person you bump into. It could be picking up the bible that lays in your nightstand or on the bookcase and has collected a little too much dust. One thing that I was challenged to do as the new year began was to read the bible every day. At first I was like, hmm, really can I do this? So I made the decision to start on January 1 and at bedtime read a chapter of the bible before I went to bed. I started with Ecclesiastes, just 13 days later finished the whole book and went on to Romans. I have now finished that book and have begun Proverbs. It is February 6 and I have read the bible every night before I go to bed. Even on nights when I stay up later than I planned it has become my routine, like brushing my teeth or kissing my boys goodnight. It is crazy because I never thought that I would be able to do it.
This change I made has brought some of the best blessings to my life. My faith continues to grow deeper and I know that I have someone with me at all times who has already made the change and started with themselves. That person is Jesus. While I am guessing the late great Michael Jackson did not intend on the song being seen as a spiritual song, it totally can take on that connotation. If Jesus had the courage to make changes regardless of what people thought or believed and we want to live more like him, they I think it is time for us to start with the wo(man) in the mirror as well.
Romans 6:6-8
6For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
8Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
8Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
What better time to make a change then today. We have become a society who wants to wait for the first person to make a change or wait for another time when it works better for us. Buy why wait? Why not start today? If we spent more time thinking about how we could affect change, and then actually make that change, wow what a world we could be! So, I challenge you, if there is something on your heart or you hear/feel the spirit moving in you to start and/or make a change then GO FOR IT!!! Don’t let any one stop you. I can pretty much guarantee that you will feel better and will probably make someone else feel better along the way! If you are needing some encouragement and don’t already have the song playing on repeat in your head (you can thank me later) I recommend listening to Man In the Mirror, it will jump-start your motivation, I know it did mine! If everyone made one small positive change just think how far we could go…
Until next time, may you have joy in your journey!
Under the Clutter 