Face in the Mirror

Thursday morning and the week is coming to an end. Don't some weeks just seem to fly by? Let's stop what we may be doing for a couple of minutes so that we can reflect on what God wants to say to us from his Word. We will still be focusing on James 1 today and specifically on verses 19-27. This is Michele again and I am so glad to be able to share with you what God is laying on my heart. I hope that you will share your thoughts as well.

But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For is you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in the mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. (v. 22-24) 

Oh boy....does this not speak to my heart right now and bring complete conviction to my spirit! I have always had an over active conscience. For as long as I can remember, I've had a deep need to let others know when I've done wrong and have truly needed to feel that I am forgiven and free of the guilt that comes along with my wrongdoing. As a child, that was my mother. I would tell her some of the silliest things because I just had to confess to someone. I was raised in the church but that was the extent of my spiritual upbringing......it did not extend into my home. Therefore, I was not taught to take my confession to the Lord. But.....I always felt deeply when I had done wrong. I saw it and desperately wanted to do better!

Have you ever gotten up in the morning and as you look in the mirror you notice that there are some things that need to be fixed before you can go about your day? Maybe some bed head, pillow lines on your face, or gunk in your eyes? If you're like me, you probably want to change those things before moving forward. It's great when we do and we then feel much better, but sometimes we just ignore what needs fixed and we continue to feel undone.

It is the same way with our sin life. Often times, we recognize that we are being sinful but we just simply go on. We know good and well what God says about the issue at hand but we ignore him. Or, we feel convicted and deeply want to change in that area, only to fall again. Knowing what God's word says is great and wonderful but we also have to apply it to our circumstances. Always easy? A resounding NO!! Facing sin is not something that is meant to be done alone......we need God's help. God will always be available to assist us.

But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. (v. 25)

Now that I am a devoted Christian who has put my faith and hope in the Lord, I realize that true freedom comes from God alone. Although confessing sin to others is very important, especially to those we have sinned against, we will only find true freedom in Christ. The law is available to us so that we will know when we are being sinful and be aware of what God expects of us. Knowing this does not take away our sinful nature because we are still fallen creatures. We will still sin but freedom comes from the grace that God continues to extend to us. It is only by his grace that we are able to pick back up and move forward. Only by his grace are we able to make the changes in our lives that mold us into the people that God wants us to be. The best part is that God promises to bless us if we will put this into practice.

Lord, I want your blessing in my relationships, in my work, in my every situation. I want to live my life as an example of your life changing salvation. Help me to apply your word to my life today and every day to follow. I want to leave a legacy of holiness with the ones who I am an example to and I can only do that by applying your truth to my life. I love you and need your guidance and wisdom to be all that you want me to be to the ones I love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Please share your insights. It is always great to hear from you.