In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. - Romans 6:11, NIV

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Yes - it's that drastic of a change. The pressing. The confinement. The discomfort. The chrysalis experience doesn't transform a caterpillar into a nicer, prettier, cleaner caterpillar. A "churched-up" caterpillar doesn't emerge after this period of pressure. No, the caterpillar is changed.

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In the same way, we are so utterly changed when we are saved by Christ. Paul says it this way, trying to stress the drastic nature of our salvation: It's like the old you is dead. "Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." Or as he writes it elsewhere: You are an entirely new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).

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So when you look in the mirror this morning, what do you see? Do you see a new creation?

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Or do you only see past mistakes, as though they were tattoos of identity that feel impossible to erase? My friend, in Christ, you are clean.

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Do you see yourself struggling to measure up, trying over and over to be good enough for God, but always feel like you're falling short? Remember today that Christ loved you to death before you even knew who he was.

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Do you see brokenness? He is Healer.

Do you see fear? He is Provider.

Do you see grief? He is Comforter.

Do you see confusion? He is Truth.

Do you see death? He is Life.

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So, what do you see? As you come to Christ in prayer this morning, may whatever your mirror holds fade, until you see only HIM.

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"My heart says of you, 'Seek his face!'

Your face, Lord, I will seek." - Psalm 27:8