Mirror, Mirror

 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.  James 1:22-25

Can I just start by saying that picking a verse to write a devotional about in James is like picking your favorite $100 bill from your wallet?  They’re all that good.  Savor this book this month, ladies.

Sometimes, my memory is not my friend.  I pick up my cell phone to check the time, set it down, and pick it up 30 seconds later because I’ve already forgotten what time it is.  I walk into a room to get some crucial object for some equally important task, and I completely forget why I am where I am or what I’m supposed to be doing.  I blank on someone’s name that I’ve known for 6 months.  I fix my hair in the mirror before I leave my house and check it again in the car mirror before I walk into where I’m going.  You know, because Honda Pilots are known for their hair-damaging ways… Oh wait, no, they’re not.  I’m just ridiculous.

It may be strange to think of the Word of God like a mirror, but that’s truly what it is.  When I bury myself neck-deep into His word, I suddenly see the truth about myself.  Sometimes those truths are beautiful: I am reminded that I am a daughter of the King, the bride of Christ, loved, called and chosen for my good and His glory.

Sometimes those truths are challenging:  I see where I’m not living a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.  I see areas that need improvement.  I see glimpses of God that I’m not sure about yet, areas where I am called to know Him that I’m not convinced I’m ready for.  These are the times when I’m most tempted to walk away and forget what I see.  I’m tempted to plug my fingers into my ears and to sing, “La la la, God. I can’t hear you.”

Then I remember these verses in James.  These are precious treasures to me that God has stored in my spirit through their memorization.  I think to myself, “No, I will not forget who I am.  I will not forget who I am called to be.  It’s time to do what He says.”  And what’s wonderfully encouraging is that God is true to His word.  I really am blessed for doing it.  I’m blessed with peace, courage, joy, endurance, or if nothing else, the knowledge that I am able to be a part of His kingdom and that one day I will be able to look at Him and to know that I served Him well.

If you’re not spending time in prayer and in His word daily, I implore you to do so.  If you’re not storing His word in your heart so that you might not sin against Him, start now.  Use these scriptures at the bottom of each devotional.  Devour them, and learn to know God intimately.  But don’t stop there:  Live out your faith.  Let it change your life.

~ Whitney Sewell

Father, Thank you for the privilege of your Word.  Thank you for your instruction.  Thank you for not only creating me, but guiding me and giving me purpose.  Help me to see the truth as I stare into the mirror that is your Word.  Show me the areas where I can grow to become more like Jesus.  Help me follow you closely and to serve you well.  I love you.  Amen.

Your Turn!  In what ways do you view the Word of God as a mirror?  Have you ever used memorized scripture in your daily life?  How so?  If you are spending time in God’s word and in prayer daily, how has it changed your life?

Other Scriptures to study:

• James 4:17
• Psalm 119:11-16
• Matthew 7:24-27
• Colossians 1:21-23
• 1 Timothy 6:11-12