Reflection in the Mirror
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. James 1:23-25
Insight
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Thanks to some retail trickery, the answer to that question is harder to answer than one would think. First, it depends on the mirror's location. We've all picked up an outfit off the rack that looked picture perfect in the store, but it didn't seem to fit right when tried on at home.
The "skinny mirrors" found in places like Target and Gap, claims another victim. These mirrors get subtly adjusted to make everyone look better so they will open their pocketbook - the curvature of the glass designed to deceive.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? The same tension and confusion exist regarding more essential things like our identity, self-worth, and dignity. Once again, it all depends on what mirror we set our gaze upon and believe.
The world either puffs us up or tears us down. We judge our worth by the likes on our social media posts, the number of zeros in our bank account, or how we compare to those around us. By highlighting (and distorting) our ego, we perceive ourselves better than we are.
On the flip side, other mirrors we look to determine our value only show us only our shortcomings, flaws, and failures. We wince every time we see our reflection. Both mirrors are equally deceptive.
Only when we look into the perfect law of Christ, do we see our true reflection—broken but beautiful, redeemed but in the restoration process, and forgiven but still learning to walk in freedom.
We notice our imperfections in the light of His grace. We glimpse the actual state of our hearts - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Instead of looking away or hiding from it, we can bring it to the One who loves us unconditionally. We need to gaze into that mirror daily, not to become vain, but instead to remind ourselves because of Christ, we stand victorious.
Reflection
Where have you lost sight of who you are in Christ?
Prayer
God, You see me and love me. Help me to see myself in the ways You do. I will set my gaze on the beauty of the Gospel and its freedom. Also, give me eyes to notice the worth and value of others and the courage to encourage them in such a way that points them to You. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.