The Mirror Test: Does it Reflect Jesus?

The Mirror Test: Does it Reflect Jesus?

I was recently chatting with a student I'm discipling, and a familiar question bubbled up. It's the kind of question that echoes through every generation of Christians, a timeless struggle with a radical, counterintuitive answer.

You know the drill: "Is it okay if...?" "Can I do this...?" "Is it wrong to...?" Church leaders across the globe are often quick to respond with a simple "yes" or "no." But I'm here to suggest that this isn't a "yes" or "no" kind of question. In fact, it's a question that demands a shift in our entire perspective.

Think about it. The New Testament proclaims our freedom in Christ. We're told we're free from sin, not in the sense that we never slip up, but in the sense that we're no longer condemned by it. Jesus himself distilled the entire law into two commands: love God and love people.

Now, before you think I'm advocating for a free-for-all, let me be clear: this isn't about doing whatever we want. It's about something far more profound. Following Jesus isn't about meticulously checking off a list of "right" and avoiding "wrong." It's not about navigating a maze of "can I" and "can't I." It's about reflecting Jesus. It's about cultivating wisdom.

Beyond Yes or No: Reflecting Jesus, Not Just Rules

Here's the core question: if an action wouldn't reflect Jesus, why would we want to do it? As ambassadors of Christ, shouldn't our lives be a living testament to his character?

Instead of fixating on whether something is "right" or "wrong," let's lean into the Holy Spirit's guidance. He will convict us when we stray. In fact, I'd argue that the very need to ask if something is wrong is a red flag. If we have to justify an action, it likely doesn't align with the heart of Jesus. We don't need to justify good things; we only justify those things that are questionable.

Remember, Jesus didn't die to justify our rights; he died to redeem our wrongs. But ultimately, it's not about right or wrong. It's about reflecting Jesus as his ambassador.

T.E.S.T. Tool

  • T: Twords - Does it point towards Jesus?
  • E: Edify - Does it edify others?
  • S: Scriptural - Does it align with scriptural principles? 
  • T: Transform - Does it transform yourself or others into the likeness of Jesus Christ?


Freedom in Reflection, Not Rule-Following

Church, it's time to move beyond the rigid pursuit of "doing the right thing." Let's embrace a life that radiates Jesus in a way that draws the world to him. This is the true essence of freedom!

Yes, I know I can choose to engage in sinful actions, and I'm still forgiven. But why would I, having committed to following Jesus? The very idea of embracing both Christ and habitual sin is a contradiction. As Paul reminds us, we're free from sin, but that doesn't grant us license to wallow in it.

True freedom, the life we're called to, and the awakening of the sleeping giant come when we grasp the depth of what Jesus has done. It's a shift from rule-following to heart-reflecting. It's a journey of becoming more like Jesus, not just doing what we think is "right." Let's embrace that freedom and let our lives shine as a beacon of his love.


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