PERSONAL REFLECTION

“Mirror, Mirror upon the wall, who’s the fairest of all?” The Mirror answered "Thou, O Queen, art the fairest of all," 'and the Queen was contented because, she knew the Mirror could speak nothing but the truth.’ 

Most of us remember this fairy tale from our childhood, yet even today some people desire to be the most striking and beautiful above all others.  How you and I see ourselves is important but, how others see us should also be considered.  We're on the outside looking in, but people can sometimes see things about us that we can’t or won’t accept.  Without a mirror, how would we know how we looked in the morning or the image that we portray from day to day?  When you take a good look in a mirror, do you always believe what you see?  Whether you do or not, a mirror doesn’t lie, nor does God’s Word.  While we all have at least one mirror in our possession, let’s consider the Word of God as a heavenly looking glass (God’s Mirror), which allows us to see the reflection of our soul (inner character, nature).  When was the last time you took a good look in the mirror of God’s Word?  If it’s been a while, use this time to take a look! Let’s first review the word mirror as both a noun and a verb. Secondly, we will consider the terms below with: what the Word of God is (a true representation of God) and what the Word instructs us to do in our personal lives (represent God, imitate Christ):

Mirror (n): 1. A polished or smooth surface (as of glass) that forms images by reflection; 2 a: something that gives a true representation b: an exemplary model.

Mirror (v): 1. Reflect: echo, copy, emulate, parallel, imitate; 2. Represent: To represent, epitomize, illustrate, symbolize, typify, or signify.

POINTS TO CONSIDER:

·       We use MIRRORS to SEE (observe, perceive, distinguish, make out) our physical appearance which can be either good or bad (satisfactory or unacceptable) and we make adjustments based on our perception of how we see ourselves and what we think is best for our lives. There is one concern, which could be a problem: Our perception is not always realistic or biblical (the way God sees us or desires for us to be). We do not normally use anything to see or monitor our behavior (actions, deeds, activities). Without a mirror or gauge, we cannot really see ourselves and do not know how we or our actions look, but others can see in us what we cannot.  Also, others see things that we refuse to acknowledge, accept or believe about ourselves.  We do not always want to know or receive the truth about ourselves. And sometimes, we are not always receptive to the opinion or evaluation others have about our actions – especially if we consider them negative. Consider this verse: “Jesus said . . ., ‘You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.’” (John 8:31-32 NLT) How can we determine or measure our spiritual persona (appearance) without a gauge or mirror?  We cannot!  Also, we should not ignore our spiritual condition if and when it is in need of correction or a remedy.  Jesus is the answer for not only our spiritual condition; but also the spiritual malady of those in the world today! 

·       The Word of God is a spiritual barometer that when used properly and consistently will help us to: avoid unacceptable and destructive behavior, as well as sin. We cannot change what is wrong in ourselves unless it is revealed to us (by God’s Spirit or another person).  How do we handle the facts we receive? If we truly desire to change, we should have an open mind and not take offense.  God expects us to be holy as He is holy and imitators of Jesus Christ.  We should MIRROR what we read and hear from the Word of God so that our images, words, and actions are a true representation that demonstrate Christ to others. 

·       We cannot change or grow spiritually in God without practicing some fundamental things: Let’s look at some ABC’s:

1.     We must ACKNOWLEDGE what is revealed to us and be reconciled with the truth (of God’s Word). ”We cannot conquer what we do not confront and we cannot confront what we do not identify.” For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

2.     We must BELIEVE in Jesus and that He is our only hope for deliverance and salvation. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life. (John 14:6; Romans 10:9)

3.     We must CONFESS our sins and imperfections to God as well as to those we have offended so that, we can be forgiven and cleansed of our unrighteousness.  An important element of confession is REPENTANCE which involves true contrition and a change of mind.  With repentance, we decide to turn away completely from all habitual behavior and any ungodly lifestyle that hinders our spiritual growth in God.  (1 John 1:8-9)

Sometimes, we become accustomed to seeing ourselves in a way that makes us feel comfortable; however our complacent ways are not always conformable to God’s way.  Remember, God’s ways are higher than ours and His thoughts than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)  God is holy and expects us to be holy. (1 Peter 1:16)  As we consistently look into the mirror of God’s Word, we will be renewed in the spirit of our minds and when our minds are renewed, we can prove what is that good, perfect and acceptable will of God. (Romans 12:2)   As we mirror God’s Word and hide it in our hearts, our likeness, words and actions will be a true reflection of Jesus Christ and His love.