One of the must-haves of a make-up enthusiast is a magnifying mirror. Unlike ordinary mirrors, magnifying ones make its reflections a lot bigger, allowing people to zoom in to their faces of whatever they are looking at. And we all know that a zoomed-in reflection means better made eyebrows, and easier and seamless application of makeup.
In his letter to the early believers, the Apostle James likened the reading of the word to facing the mirror. As we get acquainted with what is true, what is correct, and what we have to obey, we get to see our own weaknesses, failures and limitations. And as we reflect on these imperfections, we are called as Christians to rectify our behaviors, and improve our character to mimic Jesus.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” James 1:22-25
As we get to know Christ more and more, we will realize that we still have a long way to go to be like Him. And this is okay, because every person has fallen short of God’s expectations (Romans 3:23). The important thing is we do not lose heart as we endeavor to improve on our attitude, train ourselves to become godlier, and consistently choose to make God-honoring decisions in our life.
After all, it is a promise that God will continue to work on us and through us. That He will hold us and walk with us as we try our best to follow His path.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
So how do we apply this lesson in our daily life, as present day followers of Jesus? Well as we read and reflect daily on the bible, we must be aware of the traits that the Lord manifests to us through His word. We must take note of the character we are being called to have.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
Likewise, we must be alert to looking at the values and godly traits being modeled by the bible characters that we encounter in our everyday quiet time and bible reading. We must pray to God to help us follow these examples. Moreover, whatever we read in the bible, whatever command we have learned, we should try our best to live by it.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on James 1:19-27 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: What changes should you make in your life, to reflect the Biblical values you have learned?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for patiently calling me to follow you, and walk in your ways. Sorry about the times I miss the mark. Please give me the grace to continue striving to walk the path that you tread. Amen.Â
