From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

November 18
Mirror, Mirror

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 124:6-8 | Ezekiel 37:1-38:23 | James 1:19-2:17 | Proverbs 28:1

Today’s Scripture Focus: James 1:19-2:17

“But 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” (James 1:25 NIV).

Did you look in the mirror this morning? What did you see?

Each morning I roll out of bed, and begin my morning ritual. One of the first things that I do is look in a mirror. Usually that is enough to scare me into showering, shaving and getting ready for the day. It’s a daily reminder that I’m not ready to go out into the world yet –-and they certainly aren’t ready for me looking like this.

In a similar way, I need to look into God’s mirror each day. As I look into his word, he shows me areas I need to change, places in need of ongoing transformation. This needed daily ritual gets me ready for the challenges of the day.

Furthermore, James reminds us that we had better apply the Word of God. Imagine looking in a mirror and not changing a thing about your appearance. You see that your hair looks like it has been combed with an eggbeater, but you just don’t quite get around to combing it. To most of us that is unthinkable. Yet we do it all the time. God shows us things in his word and we fail to apply them in our daily lives. James points out to us in this passage how silly that really is.

We need the mirror of the word to rebuke, correct, train and equip us. We need it daily. And we need to remember daily to apply the text to our lives–then we will be blessed in what we do (1:25).

Lord, I open my heart to your word today. Speak to me. Show me the changes I need to make to get ready for this day. Let your word encourage, teach, rebuke, correct and bring transformation. Amen.