Mirror or Window?

October 11, 2022

????????????We all see the world through a different set of lenses. Our beliefs, our judgements, our biases, everything about how we see ourselves and the world around us, determines how we function in our daily lives.

???????????I have seen young children eating and liking green beans until an older sibling says, “Green beans are yucky!” After that, the younger never eats green beans again. We generally develop habits, and our likes and dislikes, based on our individual experiences, and input from other people.

???????????These experiences become our realities. All too often, our focus locks onto our individual realities and rejects all alternate realities. When that happens, we see the world as if in a mirror; everything must conform to our image.

???????????This is dangerous because it leads to ungenerous judgements and hurtful divisions. In these cases, we are unable to see the beauty and value of others, and we are unable to offer love and grace. We are limited in our receiving and giving of love.

???????????Conversely, if we are able to set-aside our preconceptions, we can see the world as if through a window. We can maintain our individuality, and our ability to decide for ourselves, while being able to acknowledge the beauty of diversity in others.

???????????We were not created to be like robots. We are individuals. No two people have ever had the same fingerprints or the exact same DNA. We are all unique. This is evidence that our Creator loves diversity. Although we are all different, when we work and live together in unity and peace we paint a perfect picture of God’s grace.

???????????Too many people have decided to see the world as if in a mirror. They are not willing to accept the truth that our Creator loves all of us; without exception. They instead have decided to judge and separate people, thinking they are doing God’s will. You may have noticed that the more “religious” a society becomes, the more violent it becomes.

???????????Demanding the world around you conform to your image leaves no room for grace in the lives of others. You are condemning people to eternal damnation because you feel like you have the right to; because you are so “righteous”.

???????????Seriously, did these words from Holy Scripture miss you somehow?: “Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another?” (Romans 14:4a) If you believe a person is not conforming to your idea of the image of God, you still have no right to judge.

???????????Or, how about these words of Jesus?: “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.” (Matthew 7:1,2)

???????????Isn’t it better to live and let live; to love and let love? That is what we are doing when we see the world as if through a window. Gaze on.

The Rev. Dr. David Bridges

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Grove, OK

www.standrewsgrove.org