Read James 1:23–27
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is
like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking
at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
James 1:23–24
When we look into the mirror of God’s Word, we see ourselves as we
really are. James mentions several mistakes that we make as we look
into God’s mirror.
First, we don’t carefully study ourselves as we read the Word. We
might read a chapter of the Bible each day, but it is only a religious
exercise, and we fail to profit from it personally.
The second mistake is that we forget what we see. If we were
looking deeply enough into our hearts, what we would see would be
unforgettable.
Mistake number three is: We fail to obey what the Word tells us
to do. We think that hearing is the same as doing. It’s not.
If we are to use God’s mirror profitably, then we must gaze into it
carefully and with serious intent. No quick glances will do. We must
examine our own hearts and lives in the light of God’s Word. This
requires time, attention, and sincere devotion. Five minutes with God
each day will never constitute a deep spiritual examination.
Something to Ponder
Carefully study yourself today in light of God’s Word. What do you
see?