The Face In The Mirror (No. 3)
It is possible for a person to look into a mirror, then go away and
at once forget what they were like. James says, “But the one who
looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no
hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, they will be blessed in their
doing.” (James 1:25; ESV-2011)
The New Testament is the mirror that God has given us, and one
of its purposes is to provide an accurate picture of what we are, and
what Yahweh wants us to be. So, we ask, what “face” do you see
when you look into God’s mirror?
Do you see the face of a person who condemns others when they
sin, yet you practice the very same sin? This is called hypocrisy.
Jesus said, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother or
sister’s eye, but do not notice the Jog that is in your uwn eye?”
(Matthew 7:2) Paul wrote, “Therefore you have no excuse, 0 man,
every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another
you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same
things.” (Romans 2:1; ESV-2011) We should be very careful that we
are not practicing what we condemn in other people. “You then who
teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against
stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit
adultery, do you commit adultery? … ” (Romans 2 :21-22)
When you look in the mirror do you see the face of a person who
exammes the scriptures, in order to know what their meaning is so
you can know and do God’s will? Too many people lack
independence in Bible study. They want to be told what to believe.
We need more people like the Jews in Berea who examined the
scriptures daily to see if the things were so. (Acts 17: 11) Doctrines
must be tested. Believe nothing just because someone says to believe
it. “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false
prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4: I)
Ron Daly
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The face in the mirror (no. 3)
