Mirror of the Bible
Updated: May 25, 2021
When I was a little child, the first fairytale my late father read to me was Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. In the story was a wicked stepmother who consulted the magic mirror with the famous line “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” The mirror replied, “You, My Queen, is the fairest of them all.” This pleased the Queen. Day after day, she asked the same question expecting the same answer because it pleases her ears. Her pride and jealousy took over her.
In real life, when we look at ourselves in the mirror, what do we see? I don’t know about you, but I think I can say this on behalf of the sisters – "Oh no another pimple!" "Goodness, another wrinkle!" etc. We see flaws in ourselves, so we cover up. We use make-up. Layers of thick makeup could transform the flaws into perfection. Then we look into the mirror again, we see a perfect image by our own standards. That’s enough because with that, we can fool the world. But what lies beneath?
Friends, indeed there IS one mirror that we cannot live without. This “mirror” does not lie; it only tells the truth – that is the Bible. If we really want to know what we are truly like in the inside and not just in our outward appearance – look deep into the Bible.
When we read the Bible, what does the Holy Spirit say to us? If He shows us areas that we have sinned, are we quick to ask for forgiveness and repent? Do we have reverence for God to want to live our lives according to His Word?
To have reverence for God is to have deep respect for Him and honor Him. Our submission to God is out of awe and honor, and not out of bondage. We are eternally grateful for all that He has done to redeem us – that Jesus would die for us while we were still sinners. It is this reverence that we want to forsake our old sinful ways; and chose to walk in His ways.
The Bible says in 1 Peter 1:14-16
“as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
One of the ways to live in reverence of God is to turn away from our old sins. We will know if we have truly been transformed by God’s Word when we are put in the same situations as in the past that led us to sin – will we be tempted to go back to our old ways, or can we forsake the flesh and live in obedience to His Word? God does not tempt us but will test us – but know that God’s purpose is never to “torture” us – but to discipline us.
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
King David, whom God called “a man after God’s own heart”, was not spared from the consequences of sin, because God is holy and just. He disciplined King David but never stopped loving him. When King David truly repented, God forgave him and remembered his sins no more.
As we continue to seek God in prayer and in His Word, we WILL be transformed. When we have a relationship with God, Holy Spirit who dwells in us convicts us when we sin. Our response is to quickly acknowledge our sins, repent and turn away from such sins. We will never be 100% perfect, because we all fall short the glory of God. God is not looking for perfection, but a heart that seeks to be more and more like Christ. Our reverence for God is to recognize that He is all powerful. The wrath of God is never to be taken lightly, so we cannot take His grace and mercy for granted.
Looking at the mirror of the Bible – what do we see? Are we like the queen – completely absorbed in her self-denial for only outward beauty? Or could we be someone with thick make-up that is merely capable to conceal all the flaws beneath?
OR do we see an image of Christ in us? Do we conduct ourselves in Christlike ways?
What do others see in me? Do they see a glimpse of Christ? I pray so, despite having failed many times. I am but a work-in-progress.
Reflect
When we look into the Bible, we aim not to see a perfect image of ourselves; but rather, are we able to identify the areas we need to change? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us and help us in the process. The decision we need to make is to be doers of His Word, and not merely hearers. If in doubt, the question to ask is, “What would Jesus do?” Are we, too, willing?
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I commit myself to be more and more like Christ. When I look into the mirror of Your Living Word, Holy Spirit reveal to me areas that I need to change. Help me in the process. I want to be a doer of Your Word, and not just hearer only. Let others see a glimpse of Christ in me.
In Jesus’ most precious name I ask and pray, Amen. By 枝页 (July 28, 2019)
