James compares the Bible to a mirror

Reality check

The wicked queen in Snow White had a mirror that talked to her, telling her she was the most beautiful woman in the land. That must have been very nice. Most of us would as soon our mirrors not talk to us!

But the mirror had one quality common with all other mirrors.

It told the truth.

When little Snow White became more beautiful than her queen, the mirror said so.

James compares the Bible to a mirror. “Anyone who listens to the word, but does not do what it says is like a man who looks in a mirror, and then after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like (James 1:24,25).

So the Bible is likened to a talking mirror. As spiritual beings, we look into the mirror to see what changes we need to make. Our talking mirror responds by encouraging us, correcting us, letting us know where we fall short.

In a word, it tells us the cold, hard truth. Looking at this mirror is the ultimate reality check. Don’t ignore the message of the mirror. More especially don’t smash the mirror in anger.

It only reflects what it sees.

For most of us, it is not a beauty contest; what we see in Scripture is our flaws and imperfections.

Which is to say, we see exactly what we need to see in the mirror. How would I know what to change if not for my spiritual mirror?

I would hate to shave and wash without a mirror for guidance. My mirror needs to be candid and clear.

Don’t worry. From a spiritual perspective, there are no Snow Whites; we are all flawed and sinful, and in need of a mirror to tell us the truth.

Stan Mitchell

Leave a Reply