It’s hard to look in the mirror sometimes. But even then, you can learn to ignore some of the parts you don’t like: thinning hair, saggy arms, crooked nose. Just a quick glance to see if your hair is brushed right, then move on.

It’s a lot more challenging to take a good look at your soul. What do the deeper parts of us look like? Are they childish, petty, defensive, prejudiced, corrupt, addicted, short-tempered, jealous… or noble, sacrificial and curious? For a further menu of awful possible truths within, see the reading of the fruit of selfish motives found in Galatians 5:19-23.

We rarely stop to even think about it all. And, anyway, why do it? It’s so depressing.

Well, one reason to become more aware of what’s going on inside you is in order to learn. In fact, it’s quite possible that you don’t know something you really need to know. It’s possible that everyone around you already knows! That’s what therapy is all about, I believe: the gentle revealing of inner truths, drives, fears, dreams, and wounds which compel our behavior and feelings.

In the Gospel reading for Sunday [Luke 9:51-56], we have disciples asking Jesus to rain down fire on a village which has refused him. The request is ugly, vindictive, immature, and way too reflective of how we respond to insult and rejection. Jesus strongly corrects them and they learn something… and so do we. Praise God that the disciples are presented with all their flaws – all our flaws!

What can we learn from examining and confessing the worst in us? In contrast, what should we long for? Read the second half of the Galatians 5:19-23 reading.

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday at 9 am for Traditional worship in the Sanctuary. As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here.