Sometimes it obvious to see that believers mis-represent the very Jesus we desire to reflect.  Though it is sad and often disappointing, especially when our own role models fail us, we have to remember that humanity is just that - human!  The reason Jesus sacrificed so much is that He knew what our nature would be even before we were born.  He also knew that we could not measure up to perfection.  That is why He went to the cross - to pay for our humanity - once and for all!  

We come complete with sin and cannot be perfect on our own.  Only God is perfect.  The good news is that He allows His perfection to become our covering through the sacrifice of Jesus.  The Son of God was allowed to be sacrificed so that our sins could be forgiven.  That is incredibly amazing grace!

I write this to remind myself that I must also forgive - as Jesus forgives me!  How many times a day do each of us fail - whether it be in thoughts or actions?  To ask forgiveness daily is to reflect Jesus.  When others see that we deal with our humanity through humility, He smiles.  And when He smiles, He does so through us!  Just as a light house shows the way for sailors, so our light can be a beacon of His radiance and love.

It is easy to point a finger when we see others failing or setting what we might consider a bad example.  Accusation is often the way we push blame onto others and seek to forfeit responsibility for error.  Pointing at another is often more revealing about the accuser than it is the one to whom it is aimed!

May we better learn the practice of responsibility and humility!  May our finger first touch our own chest as we consider how we might love as Jesus first loved us.  May our lips be slow to speak insult or blame and may we become a reflection of His light and life!