Messages From the Mirror

Scripture – James 1:22-25: ²²Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I find this image of the mirror to be fascinating. A mirror doesn’t do anything but reflect an image. It gives me information. Then I decide what to do with that information. As I read and listen to God’s word, I receive information about who I am. It’s left to me to act on that information. An important part of this outline for reflection is the “application” section. That’s what moves me past merely listening to the word. Many days I come up short on my application. Sometimes I forget about it entirely as the day unfolds. Other days, however, my life is changed because of what I’ve seen in the mirror of God’s word.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Today, I will remember that the Biblical message makes a difference in my life only as I apply it – only as I make decisions based on what I see and hear.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please continue giving me clear information from your word. Teach me to trust you and to follow your lead. Keep showing me what I need to do and keep making that what I want to do. Because, really, it is.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.