#029: Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

What we see when we look in the mirror has an enormous impact on what we see in others, and how we respond to them.

And how we respond to others says a great deal about our own spiritual walk. If we see ourselves pridefully, as superior, it will be very difficult to lead others.

The Apostle Paul addresses this very issue writing to the Galatians when he describes a man suddenly caught in sin and what should be done to restore him. First, we must see others humbly (vv 1-2), and second, we must see ourselves honestly (vv 3-5).

¹  Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
²  Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
³  If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
⁴  Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else,
⁵  for each one should carry his own load. Galatians 6:1-5 (NIV)

See Others Humbly

Paul says the spiritual brother should restore the sinner gently. But he also issues a warning saying that believers need to be careful and mindful when restoring a brother that we ourselves might be tempted to sin. Part of the process of restoring a brother is to help carry their burdens. When we carry each other’s burdens we fulfill the law of Christ—to love one another.

See Ourselves Honestly

Paul says we must test our own actions. In other words, we need to see and recognize that we are all sinners. Because we are all sinners we should not be prideful. Someone else’s fall into sin is not to be an excuse to make ourselves look better. Also, we should not compare our work with someone else’s work. God has created a specific ministry for each of us. We need to focus on doing the work God has equipped us to do.

Summary

Restore gently, with an attitude of service to the fallen coworker, as an act of obedience to Christ.  Conduct yourself with humility, seeking counsel of others, with the goal of enabling the restored brother to serve God fully and completely as He has called him.

Application

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Are you balanced in your approach to coworkers? Good leaders respond fairly to everyone. It is important for every leader to have an honest appraisal of their treatment of coworkers and employees. If you’re not sure how you are doing ask some employees that you can trust to give you honest feedback.

Join the Conversation!

As always questions and comments are welcome. Are you able to see others humbly, assessing your own strengths and weaknesses honestly? Are you able to lift a co-worker up in love? What issues have you faced in the workplace that required restoration?

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Category: Relationships | Exhortation