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A few years ago, our congregation finished a building project that had been a dream for decades. Each week we are reminded of God’s goodness as we worship in a warm and beautiful sanctuary. There is one feature, however, that many cringe at as they walk past; a 3x6 ft framed mirror. It hangs on our back wall simply to provide visual balance to the window to our cry room on the other end of the room. Yet, some wish it wasn’t there, for who really likes to look at a mirror anyway.
Yes, mirrors are necessities. We must look at them to make sure our hair is combed, our teeth are clean, and our clothes are on straight. But for some of us, once we’ve got ourselves put together in the morning, we avoid looking in the mirror for the rest of the day - especially big one.
Whether it is insecurity, poor self image or a desire to remain in ignorance, some people don’t like mirrors. And who can blame them? Mirrors don’t just show our best side, but also our blemishes, and no one wants to be reminded of their imperfections. However unless our imperfections are revealed, they can never be fixed, which leads to much greater problems.
In many ways God’s Word is treated like a mirror. People enjoy looking at it when they are being reassured in their life - hearing about the many blessings and promises Christ offers. However when God’s Word begins to point out our imperfections or sins, most people cringe away; tucking their Bible on the far end of their bookshelf - avoiding it at all costs. For no one likes to be reminded of their imperfections.
King David, someone whom God called “a man after His own heart,” treated God’s mirror in a much different way. In Psalm 139:23–24 he wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Instead of cringing away from God; David invites Him to take a deep look within. To test him, to search his heart and mind for anything that brings offense to God. David asks the Lord to serve as a mirror, pointing out his imperfections, his blemishes, his sins. David knows that only God alone can accurately point out and take his sin, and lead him in a new way of living. David knew he needed to look in God’s mirror often.
We do too. James 1:23-24 compares the Bible and the work it does to that of a mirror; exhorting each of us not to simply hear or read it, but also to do what it says.
As we invite God through His Word to examine our heart, He points out our imperfections, our wickedness, and our sin. Yes, it is ugly. In fact the prophet Isaiah says our sin stains deep like crimson, and our attempts to cover it up reek like filthy rags - images no one likes to be reminded of.
If we close God’s Word there, we miss another, more important, reflection; that of Christ. For God promises that all who acknowledge their sin, repent and turn to Christ will be forgiven (1 John 1:8-10). In fact, no longer is their sin seen, but instead Christ’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). We are now a reflection of Jesus Christ and the more time we spend in His Word, the more we are transformed to be like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18).
I encourage you to take a close look each and every day into the mirror of God’s Word.
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