Looking Into The Mirror
Using Mirrors
None of us would probably think of leaving the house in the morning without at least a cursory glance into a mirror. We shower, brush our teeth, shave or put on make-up, fix our hair (if necessary), dress carefully and thoughtfully and all through the process utilize a mirror to ensure things are progressing as planned. It would be unfortunate if we looked into the mirror and noticed somethng requiring our attention, and then forgot about it as soon as we turned away from the mirror. Any time I ever seen a woman walking around with curlers in her hair, I wonder, “does she know those things are wrapped up in her hair?” Well, Jesus’ half-brother James is the author of one of the New Testament letters which offers a lot of insight into being a disciple. Not the least of which are the following verses:
“You must be doers of the word and not only hearers who mislead themselves. Those who hear but don’t do the word are like those who look at their faces in a mirror. They look at themselves, walk away, and immediately forget what they were like. But there are those who study the perfect law, the law of freedom, and continue to do it. They don’t listen and then forget, but they put it into practice in their lives. They will be blessed in whatever they do.” James 1:22-25
God’s Word as a Mirror
According to James, the real measure of our Biblical understanding is not a written test, but a living one. The measure is not how much of the word we hear or “know,” but how much of the word we put into practice. Just as we spend time each morning preparing for the material world, we can use the mirror of God’s Word to prepare ourselves spiritually. However, if we only listen and do not apply the Word then we are like the person who looks into a mirror and immediately forgets what they saw. If we will dilligently look into the word, study and apply it to our lives, then we are promised to be blessed in whatever we do. So, what would stop us from putting the word into practice? There may be times when we are not sure as to the correct application of Biblical principles to our current circumstances. Thank God for his grace and patience as we attempt to gain clarity on a specific issue. Much of the time it is a matter of making the choice between God’s will and self will. Again, thank God for his patience and grace. Usually the pain of attempting to live life on our own power (through self-will) drives us back into the arms of God where we look at the mirror of His word and conclude a change need to be made. I pray that you hear clearly from God and put into practice what He is telling you.
BLESSINGS,
