"Sometimes I have a fear
That you will see a mirror
And get the thought that it's the main attraction
But all that you detect
Is just what I reflect
Of the object of my own affection
I'll lead you to the One I found
He'll give you everything you need
Don't look at me if you're looking for perfection
Don't look at me I will only let you down
I'll do my best to point you in the right direction
But don't look at me
Dont' look at me, look at Him"
-Stacy Orrico
I heard this song on WMUZ the other day, and my first thought was that it's pretty cool that she's getting pretty famous, and has this attitude of telling fans not to get too caught up in her life, but to know that true perfection is found in Jesus. This is a great thought, and it is true that we are not perfect. We need to be willing to admit that - to go to people when we've wronged them, to ask for prayer in our weakness.
But this song can also be viewed as a cop-out in saying "Don't look at me" because the truth is people do look at us. Seekers and new Christians look to us as an example of how to follow Christ. Phil said tonight at the Solace that wherever we are in Christ, there is always someone behind us, watching us and trying to put their feet exactly where we put ours. This should motivate us to a life that is truly centered on Christ, as we follow in HIS footsteps. Paul says "Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ." -1 Corinthians 11:1 (This verse came up also in a study of 1 John with
mistertoadsp and
lifeischrist the other day - thanks
e2m32 for the phone participation in our study).We should never use the fact that He is the only perfect one as an EXCUSE to not live a life of integrity. If our hearts and minds are set on living as He did, He will give us the grace to be an example to others, even in our imperfection.
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I need prayer that I will be emptied out this weekend; I want to be humbled so that God can speak through me during my lesson Saturday night. I am planning to share some pretty deep stuff about myself, and I have a hard time sharing personal stories when I teach - usually I tell about other people (it is easier than admitting my own weaknesses and struggles).