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"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:23-24)
Have you ever looked into a mirror? What a rhetorical question! For if you woke up this morning, you probably looked into a mirror, first thing as you got ready for the day. What did you see then? The true you, I presume. For you see, mirrors don't lie, they tell it like it is.
Like you all, I happened to wake one morning, and as I stared into my faithful mirror, instead of seeing my own reflection, I heard a voice appearing to come from the mirror, but no image. I must admit, at that point if I had seen my image in the mirror, my hair would be standing on end, for this unusual voice literally scared me half to death! However, it was still only the voice, and voices can't hurt you, right?
As I continued looking into the mirror in a state of shock, the voice continued talking in a rather distinguished voice, "What is it that you see there in that mirror?”
I replied, "Nothing, I see nothing."
"Then look again,” he responded.
This time when I looked in the mirror, lo and behold, still no image of me, only a certain inscription which read.
"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."
Impulsively I shouted out, "Who are you and what does this all mean?" You see, I was still plainly in shock, as nothing like this had ever happened to me before, and not ever again I hoped.
Immediately, my mind started speculating, as I couldn't help but wonder why me, and why this particular message? My mind then shifted into overdrive. Could it be because of that heated argument I had recently with my fellow co-worker? Could it be my ongoing medical problems? Could it even be because I have neglected my church duties lately?
"Come back here, Voice, and please explain what's happening!" I screamed. However, I received no auditable answer. But ever so strangely, the mirror started scrolling, as if it was a movie show marquee.
The next inscription was as weird as the first. It simply stated, "Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me."
"Boast, what boast? I have never been one to brag. And I do believe in the Bible!" I exclaimed.
But the inscriptions didn't stop there, as they continued. "Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong."
"Now, this certainly takes the cake. I'm too important to be subject to this kind of abuse.” I said.
Oh, if only this mysterious voice would come back, would only explain all this to me. It seems like these inscriptions may just be from the Bible. But I still don't understand. I always put money in the collection plate. I never fail to attend church on the important days of Christmas and Easter. And I have always been a good neighbor, just ask Ms. Hurt, the widow lady next door.
Then, as if this voice heard me, it suddenly sounded again with the audio coming from my mirror. And as I looked into the mirror, I saw myself. But the strangest thing happened. Standing directly behind me was a character dressed in familiar Bible time garb and he had his arm on my shoulder.
Seeing the puzzled look on my face, I guess, prompted the voice to suddenly exclaim that the man in the mirror with me was none other than the apostle Paul.
Then the voice began to explain. "Paul was just like yourself. Even though he was God's chosen apostle, he was also human as well. When he was mistreated, his soul hurt. When he was tortured for the gospel, his body hurt. When he was discouraged, his heart hurt. But he was willing to suffer in the name of Christ Jesus. How do you feel about this?" the voice continued.
"Well, I never really thought of it this way," I replied. "Nonetheless, if it will bring my life back to normal, I'd be willing to except it. I know now I have not been very genuine about my Christianity and the gospel, but with the Lord's help, I will be with Him from here on out. I vow to change right here and now.”
And so I prayed, "Lord, please take me just as I am. I believe You died for me, for all my sin. I accept Your free mercy and grace. Amen."
Then strangest thing happened. As soon as I made my confession, everything returned to normal. The voice went away for good, and my mirror returned to normal. Yes, I really mean it. I will not go back on my Lord, ever again.
"Well, normality was not quite instantaneous. The last inscription on my mirror apparently was the most important of all, as the wording was highlighted by a big red check mark. The inscription read,
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Followed by a big "Amen and Amen."
Author's Postscript
The object of the fiction story-line of this blog, a mirror, is supernaturally revealing from Scripture.(2 Cor 12:1-10) Definition of a mirror: Something that shows what another thing is like in a very clear and accurate way. Would the Bible then not fit this definition of a mirror?
In God's Holy Scripture we see the criteria of the Bible principles for our lives. These scriptures of the Old and New Testament are verbally inspired by God and that they are the supreme and final authority in our faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) (2 Peter 1:20-21)
Every individual has a basis of authority on which to think and act. For the Christian this is the Bible, of which is a book that is different from all others, as pointed out in this blog. However, a proper understanding of God's Word depends on two things: (1) the inspirational work of God's Holy Spirit, and (2) the interpreting work of the reader.
You see, each Christian will interpret the Scripture differently, depending on one's spiritual needs, as was God's forgiveness in this fictional blog. How about you, my friend? Have you looked into your spiritual mirror lately?
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." (2 Cor 3:18)
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