Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
The evil queen in Snow White coined the phrase, “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” The queen was looking for affirmation of physical beauty. But did you know that in the Book of James, James also asks us to look into a mirror? Instead of physical attractiveness, he wants us to look at the condition of our soul.
James 1:22-25 says Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Mirrors Reflect Our True Character
James says we can’t just hear the Word; but we need to respond to it in active obedience. To look as mentioned in verse 25 means to scoop down, get a close look, to look intently, to scrutinize. To look intently at the Word of God involves obligation and action.
Mirrors in ancient times were made of polished metal, not glass. James is saying that scripture mirrors our true character and reflects our need for grace.
When I put on makeup in the morning, I use a lighted, magnifying mirror. I am very nearsighted, making my up-close vision blurry. With the aid of a high-powered mirror, I get a brutally honest appraisal of my appearance. But am I as critical when I examine my life against the perfect Word of God?
James uses the word perfect seven times in his epistle. This word means completeness, wholeness, an integrated life. At the same time, James talks about the perfect Word of God. God’s Word is our standard for which we strive.
Our culture puts so much emphasis on physical beauty and excellence. However, James is calling us to grow in spiritual maturity and holiness by imitating God’s perfect law. This involves not only hearing and knowing the law, but practicing and doing what the law requires.
Lord, help me to really look, know, and respond to Your Word which is flawless and true. When others look at my life, what do they see? May they see a reflection of Jesus.
Questions to Consider:
- God’s Word is a mirror to our soul. What do you see when you look into that mirror?
- What can you do to make your inner beauty more attractive?
