Some of us like what we see when we look in a mirror and some of us do not, but one thing is certain: none of us forgets what we look like when we walk away. For better or worse, each of us can picture ourselves in our mind.
The New Testament book of James uses this example to remind us that when we look into Scripture, we see what we should look like as Christians. The Bible was never meant to be read as a ritual or duty. Instead, it calls us to be doers of the Word. Unless we act after looking into the mirror of Scripture, we will forget what our new identity in Christ looks like and the changes we need to make as we grow in salvation.
The mirror of God’s Word also shows us truths we may not expect. Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:5 that believers are “living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through Jesus Christ being our mediator, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.” This is a reminder that every believer has a priestly calling.
Peter also warns that we are “temporary residents and foreigners” and should stay away from worldly desires that wage war against our souls. As ambassadors for Christ, we represent the kingdom of God in a world of darkness. That reflection should reveal a lover of light and truth.
What separates believers from unbelievers is a conviction that the Bible is absolute truth. Paul urged the Colossians to avoid being taken captive by false philosophies, empty deception or the traditions of men. That warning is still relevant today in a culture saturated with misleading messages in media, entertainment and even news.
The only way to measure whether we are living up to the standards of Scripture is to take a long, hard look in the mirror of God’s Word. That spiritual reflection challenges us to compare what we see with what God calls us to be. We owe it to ourselves, to the unbelieving world and to the Lord to take that good look and let His truth reshape us.
Ken Staley is pastor of Faith Church of Pleasant Grove, which meets Sundays at 9:30 a.m., and Harrisville Methodist Church, which meets at 11 a.m. Both are Global Methodist congregations. He can be reached by text at 918-852-9797.
