Guilt & Shame

I think I have a great idea for some new legislation in Congress. No mirrors should be allowed to be used that cast reflections before 10:00 am . No, don’t try to talk me out of it; I’m going to write my congressman about this. Why, just this morning, I woke up a bit groggy (as I always do!) and sauntered out of the bedroom and began the daily routine. First, off I go to the parsonage office to flip on the computer and check email. Hey, we all have our priorities, okay. Then into the kitchen for some juice followed by a quick march to the bathroom for assorted duties. But as I was walking through the bathroom, there was a hideous creature moving along the wall. No, it wasn’t a spider or roach; I know what they look like. No, this was large and hairy and …oh, it’s me. Boy isn’t it amazing what the morning coffee can do to a person. (Not to mention a shower, shave, deodorant, etc.)

I don’t know about the rest of you, but that image can’t possibly reflect what God had in mind when making us, could it? The scripture is recorded as saying; “Let us make humans in our own image.” I certainly hope God looks better than me in the mornings. Of course, is there such a thing as morning from God’s perspective? Hmmm, I’ll save that thought for another morning. But back to the original thought, God doesn’t have “bad hair” days. God is perfect. And we’re not. We do have “bad hair” days. In fact, I’d venture to say we have “bad hair” weeks, months and years. Occasionally, we take stock of our lives and realize the rut we’ve gotten into. Then we try to do anything possible to look and feel better.

Now what I described above dealt mainly with our physical well being (or not-so-well being!). But there are also those times when we look inside ourselves and take stock of the shape of our spiritual being. And invariably, we look over our spiritual shoulder and catch a glimpse of God’s holy perfection. Suddenly, the guilt and shame of our present state sink in and drop us to new lows. No wonder people become so agitated before accepting Christ. They see the difference between where they’re at and where God is cold turkey; no warnings, no indications. And the image they see when looking at themselves is so shocking, it’s unbelievable at first. And then realization sets in with the shame of how far we have let ourselves go.

But there is good news in this horrific vision. That is not only where we started out, but also where we can finish. We started out as innocent children, pure and blameless before God. But the temptations of the world prove too much for us and begin to cut and scar and bloat us until we are hideous creatures not fit for viewing. Ahh, but the Master Physician is also good at plastic surgery. By accepting Christ into our lives, we allow God’s Holy Spirit to work on us. And like a scalpel in trained hands, all the former beauty of our souls will be restored. And the cost is so inexpensive … hmmm why would anyone hesitate? Well so long for now and I’ll see you on the other side of the knife.