Cornerstone

Jas. 3:13-18 (17)

I just saw holiness walking in shoe leather. An unhappy but holy student just left my office.

He came to contest a decision an employee had made. As I listened to the explanation and request, the matter seemed to be reasonable. I wondered at the rigid inflexibility of my employee. I turned to the section of the Student Handbook in question.

As I read I noticed two things: First, the specific situation which had been described differed from the focus of the rule. Secondly, I noticed that the employee was given the authority to make a judgment in cases that were not covered completely by the list of rules. This is what the employee had done. Although the request of the student seemed reasonable to me, the employee had made a judgment following the principles in the guideline that could not be faulted.

I explained this to the student. I could clearly see disappointment in his eyes. But then he pleased me. I was extremely proud of his response. He said, “Well, I will obey the rules.” His attitude and actions exemplified the Christ that he served.

For holiness to be liveable it must be practical. That is why it is so easy to follow the direction of the Word of God and the example of our Lord.

Dr. Gayle Woods

Rom. 12:9-21 (16)

She walked with brisk steps into the guest bedroom. There was just enough light to see where she could place her suitcase. Then suddenly she saw the other person! She jumped back and whirled around in surprise. There looking at her was her own reflection in the full length wall mirror.

I remember how amused I was when I walked by a group of distorted mirrors. I could hardly recognize myself. One mirror made me look tall and skinny. I liked that one. Another mirror made me look short and fat. I moved on quickly to look at the others. Other people near me were not acting their age. They forgot that they were dignified adults as they admired a strange image of themselves.

I sometimes wonder if Jesus is startled or feels chagrin when He sees the image of Himself that we portray by our conduct. When people look upon our lives they should see a perfect likeness of Jesus Christ. Holiness is a reflection of Christ living in our lives. I wonder if they recognize Christ when they look at our lives. Does Christ even recognize Himself when He looks in the mirror of our lives? I wonder.

Dr. Gayle Woods