The Mirror or the Word
Placed in front of a mirror that only tells the absolute truth about our features, how many of us would stand and study ourselves?
I for one, if I’m honest, would turn away as quickly as possible. The Bible, in James, challenges us on this very notion, the mirror of course being the Word of God, the “perfect law of Liberty” (James 1:25) and the honest reflection we are to study is our manner of living out that liberating word.
The first chapter of James, leading up to the key verses this paper will focus on, discusses the goodness and righteousness that is found in God, so long as we cling to Him. The Bible clearly illustrates that temptations are not of God. (James 1:14) Believers are called upon to be slow to anger, open to hear and receive the truth of the Word of God, and implant it firmly in our hearts. (James 1:19-21) The desire to complain and grow angry because of circumstance was an idea that would have resonated with the scattered tribes, as they were often persecuted for having differing beliefs to the gentile world. James takes time to point out that God sends good gifts down from Heaven, that in His goodness he is faithful to reward those that weather the trials and temptations. (James 1:12) God also calls us to be attentive to receive instruction from God, to be “quick to hear,” plugged into God to the point where we seek to learn rather than react before hearing the full truth.
With the multitude of centuries that separate the modern church from the original recipients of James’s epistle, we find little loss of potency in the timeless truths held within. With the decodance of the pagan world surrounding the early believers tempting them with finery and earthly knowledge of every kind, one can’t help but think of slick reflective surfaces of screens illuminated by seductive celebrities engaging in every form of illicit activity in ours. “In the ancient world the mirror, a specially shaped piece of polished metal, was used to inspect or decorate one’s body. The ancient literature is replete with references to the mirror and its use as a metaphor for moral development.” (Richardson, 96) This idea of studied self-reflection as it pertains to morality, should not be foreign to a modern audience that uses social media to construct idyllic moral portraits of ourselves for the world to see. It’s whether or not we take the time to search for truth in our own reflection, or social profile. In this later half of the first chapter of James we are to not merely give a cursory glance at the reality of who we are in God but rather to study and work to find who we are in God through His word. “The Word is like a theory, but it is a practical one that both reflects reality, that is, the natural face, and directs the beholder to act in a certain way….The mere glancing at the word without corrective action is of little use.” (Richardson, 96) If we do not put to work the truth in our lives then how can we experience the freedom we are to gain from it? Or are we to simply be “hearers only” of liberty? “Notice... the words ‘hearers only’ in the verse… These words are taken from the Greek word ‘akoates,’ which was used in classical Greek times to describe people who would audit a class rather than taking it for credit.” (Renner, 13) So, if we are to only ever audit knowledge and never put into action the knowledge we have gained, then we would be like people who study medicine all their lives and never help a sick person. This is why God calls us to be active obedient doers of the word not merely hearers of it. We must see reflected in our lives the glory of God’s truths through the works we do.
Now to pose the question of, how to see and retain what we have seen in the mirror to be doers of the Word. To put it more succinctly; what should we do? James puts forth a notion in chapter one verse twenty-six and twenty-seven of controlling our tongues and caring for widows and orphans. If we are to be doers of the word we must first set aside our own personal religious prattling and engage in the service of others less fortunate than ourselves, those whom God has placed in our care. The Word of God, the Law of Liberty, as previously stated, instructs us to avoid religiosity and be humble doers of good for no other reason than it pleases God. We are never called to make a spectacle of ourselves, or our deeds of service, in the hopes that it be pleasing to God, God calls this work barren and void of value.
Refrences:
Richardson, Kurt Anders. James. Vol. 36, Broadman and Holman Publ, 1997.