Is That Me?

“…and have put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” (Colossians 3:10)

Did you ever do something so ridiculous that you can’t believe you did it? Well, I hate to admit it, but I did something a while ago that still defies my emotional stability and grounded thinking.

I was coming out of the parking lot at Dunkin Donuts after I got my medium, hot, decaf latte, with Almond milk and sugar free Coconut at the drive-through, as I was stopped at the light leaving the parking lot, a car passed in front of me entering the parking lot. The car was exactly the same make, model and color of my car (inside and out) and the driver was a male with hair like mine, same facial make up and wearing the same Ray Ban Aviators that I was wearing. And immediately these words came out of my mouth that astounded me after I said them. I sincerely and nonchalantly said, “Is that me?” Yes, I know your reaction… it was the same as mine… “Are you kidding?” I couldn’t believe I said that and started laughing at myself. Ah yes… a senior moment!

But it also got me thinking… how many times has our Lord showed us something about ourselves that may not be too holy or Christ-like and we have similarly asked, “Is that me?” Is that in my heart? Did I just say that? Did I just think that? Did I just do that? God is interested in our heart… more than what we say and do (which reflects what is in our heart). What is in our heart usually comes out one way or another! God uses many ways to show us what is in our heart… not to condemn us or penalize us… but to change us, build us and be drawn to Him for His Holy Spirit and Grace to re-align our thinking and behavior with His Word. In James 1:23, James writes of a man who sees himself in a mirror but walks away and forgets what he sees… no change, no growth, no maturing, not interested in aligning his life to holy and righteous standards. God loves us enough not to allow us to be the same as we were, but so desires to bring us to a higher life in Him. 1 Corinthians 15:49 shows that through Him, “we who once bore the image of earthly man shall bear the likeness of the man from Heaven”.

Sometimes, our Lord will allow situations to occur to show us what is in our heart. He already knows, but He wants us to see firsthand what may be in our heart. “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these 40 years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.” (Deuteronomy 8:2) When Peter was exposed as a follower of Christ when Jesus was betrayed, the fear in his heart caused him to deny Jesus. When Nabal would not give David and his men food and provision, the anger in David’s heart caused David to attempt to kill Nabal. When the Apostles were caught in a raging storm, the doubt in their heart caused them to fear and worry, of which Jesus addressed, “Why did you doubt?” When Simon the Sorcerer wanted the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for selfish gain, exposing the motives of his heart, Peter clearly addressed the issue and rebuked Simon stating that his heart was not right. “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and expose the motives of men’s hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

Is God allowing some situations in your life in order to show you some of the things that may be in your heart? If so… that’s good! He loves you, He’s working in you, He’s equipping you, He’s not done with you, and He will use you for His divine purposes and plans. Let Him be God in your life. Trust Him with your heart. He is renewing you in the knowledge and image of Christ. Ezekiel says, that He will put a new heart and new spirit in you. He is molding you and shaping you for His amazing purposes for you… and that’s beautiful. You’re going to be ok! Pray like David, ”Search me, oh God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts, see if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24) and when He shows you something about your heart, be honest and open and ask, “Is that me?” Through Him, it won’t be the old you for long. He’s making you New! Boy, does He love you!

Next time I go to Dunkin Donuts, I’ll let you know if I see me again!