The Reflective Nature Of Scripture
“The first principle of learning is that you must not fool yourself. And you are the easiest person to fool.”
A brilliant educator named Richard Feynman made this observation above about learning. He is known for saying that if you can’t explain a concept to a third-grader, you don’t understand it.
I don’t know his religious background, but it’s clear that he has observed a significant trait of human behavior that all of us experience and must be aware of: Self-deception. Watch the latest message on the importance of our role in the body of Christ and why we should be part of the local church.
Self-deception is the act of deceiving ourselves. The problem with self-deception is that we don’t know when we’re doing it.
Thankfully, Scripture teaches us how to address self-deception. James says, “But don’t just listen to God’s Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the Word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 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” (James 1:22-25).
James uses the picture of a mirror to describe how our approach to God’s Word can prevent us from fooling ourselves. Here are three reflective reasons how Scripture is like a mirror:
1) Like a mirror, Scripture is used for self-examination.
Some people glance at a mirror while others gaze into it.
Those who quickly glance at a mirror look at themselves and think, ‘Wow, I look good,’ or ‘Well, it is what it is.’ Those who spend time gazing into a mirror are generally not admiring themselves. Instead, they are doing self-examination. Our approach to God’s Word is similar.
Glancing at God’s Word is like hearing a Bible verse with no context and no desire for how it would apply. Consequently, it will not affect a person’s life. Gazing at God’s Word is when a person reads it while carefully examining their hearts and lives in light of the truth.
2) Like a mirror, Scripture provides accurate accountability.
Phrases like “follow your heart” or “pursue your truth” may sound like freedom on the surface, but they can easily lead to deceiving ourselves.
Our heart’s desires change. Imagine if you married the first person you dated. I realize there are some exceptions, but for most people, what they felt so confident about at one time can easily change.
Just like a mirror provides accurate accountability for what you look like, God’s Word offers accurate accountability for how we live out faith. It is helpful for teaching, instruction, direction, and correction, shows us how to live, and convicts us when we drift away. Here’s how to develop a biblical worldview to fulfill what God has called us to do.
3) Like a mirror, Scripture shows us where to make specific adjustments.
I’ve always been a bit too conscious about my hair. I tend to stare into a mirror, looking for those strands that are out of place so that I can make the adjustments needed.
Most people would not notice what I’m doing, but I do. Imagine if I gave the same attention to evaluating how I’m following God’s instructions as I do to evaluating my hair.
God’s Word is perfect and has the power to save our souls. God’s Word gives counsel that leads to freedom. How we approach God’s Word like a mirror will impact how we grow as followers of Jesus.
We must look carefully, listen closely, and do what it says. And most importantly, don’t forget it.
Prompt: What is one area you may be fooling yourself? What is one adjustment you need to make?
Prayer: Ask God to open your eyes to the life-giving instructions of God’s Word and to be aware of self-deception. Amen.