In James 1:23 one finds the word “mirror” used in a unique application that demonstrates a tremendous spiritual truth and perspective for every believer:
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.
Here we have “a hearer.” This individual looks at him/herself to see how they look and then races off to the duties of life. Before long, there is no more consideration of the image seen in the mirror as the demands of life overtake/overcome all remembrances. The mirror viewer has seen what they have seen, just as the hearer has heard what they have heard, however, nothing heard has any significant impact in their life, being easily drowned out and forgotten as life moves on.
A “doer” takes a much different approach. Instead of interpreting him/herself in light of him/herself (the reflection seen in the mirror), the doer compares or contrasts his/her life by the scrutiny and/or standard of something other than the image that’s projected. In contrast, spiritually speaking, the hearer certainly contemplates and considers the truth of God’s Word, but totally fails in application. Simply hearing about a feast will not satisfy hunger, hearing about a fresh spring will not quench thirst. The knowledge that there is shelter in the midst of a storm provides no protection from the storm’s fury, just as receiving information concerning a cure for some disease will never make the sick well!
However, the doer takes it to a different level by laying the template of “the perfect law of liberty,” which is the transcript of Christ’s character, upon their life and honestly/openly evaluating the places where the lines don’t match (spitting into the wind). Conversely, the hearers forget what manner of individual they truly are, making no effort to correct anything or align themselves within the lines/framework of God’s Word/Truth.
Contextually speaking, the Greek word “esóptroo,” which is translated into English as glass or mirror, refers to the best available reflective objects of that time period, mirrors made of highly polished Corinthian bronze. Even though no mirrors of that period produced the accurate images available today (Paul’s statement in I Corinthians 13:12), they were primarily used when fixing hair. Those of lesser means may have never owned a mirror, potentially not even knowing what they looked liked, certainly not even recognizing their own appearance.
If this were the case, then the meaning of this illustration expands, because those peering into the mirror are not even capable of accurately evaluating themselves spiritually even though they have “heard.” How many believers hear God’s Truth/Word, look in the mirror, and quickly forget who/what they actually are? How many willingly embellish what they see, afraid of our Lord’s chipping, shaping, and molding (transformation)? Is there a place in every faithful believer’s life for spiritual evaluation (moral inventory), where one’s own life is laid upon the template of Jesus Christ, His Word, His Truth? This “mirror” metaphor is very simple, yet highly expressive. If a person desires to see their face/self, and how they appear in their natural state, they gaze into a mirror. Their real face, with all its blemishes and imperfections, is clearly exhibited. Then, the individual is affected by their own appearance; they see deformities that might be remedied; spots, superfluities, and impurities, that might/could be removed.
While continuing to look into the mirror, one wishes a different appearance, purposing to do what ever is necessary to render a change (“I’ve got to lose some weight” or “wash this gray away, etc.”). However, upon leaving or removing the mirrored image, one soon forgets what really is, no longer recollecting how disagreeable one appears and even one’s own resolutions for improvement!
In most societies/cultures, there even exists another group of individuals as well, that are in absolute blindness, being totally deceived by contemporary philosophies, humanistic, narcissistic psychology, and corrupted theology. They stand before the mirror with a child’s rhyme, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the greatest of them all,” actually expecting to hear their name being broadcast in reply! Sadly, to their own demise, and ultimately the impotence of Christ’s church, many who call themselves teachers, evangelists, prophets, apostles and pastors have erroneously united with this ideology.
Only the Word/Truth of God, coupled with the convicting power of His Holy Spirit, provides an authentic, distinctly clear, image for spiritual evaluation. The one who responds to what’s seen/heard has the opportunity to move forward, becoming more than just a hearer, but an effectual doer, as they carefully examine their own life compared only to Jesus Christ (not anyone or anything else) and His perfect law of liberty. Without this standard, the hearers presuppose an unscriptural trust in God’s mercy, convincing themselves that genuine repentance is not necessary and that a transformed life is simply an unrealistic dogma, thus deceiving their own spiritual being. Consider . . .
They come to you (the Prophet, a man of God with the Word/Truth of God) as people come, and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth, and their heart goes after their gain. Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them. — Ezekiel 33:31-33
Don’t foolishly ask how you look to you, or even how you look or think you look to others! You will soon forget. Instead ask yourself how you look in comparison to your Lord, and humbly request to become an accurate reflection of His nature, character, and glory.
May we all be effectual doers! — Pastor Frank