Jun. 17, 2017

The Mirror

This reflection centers around the idea of transformation. The online dictionary defines transformation as a change in form or appearance or nature or character. I suppose some transformations are subtle, meaning some changes occur without much recognition. I found this to be true with my waist line.  One day as I was putting on a familiar pair of comfortable blue jeans all of a sudden they were not as comfortable as I remembered. I guess this only proves that I need to stay on top of some transformations.

The transformation that is inspiring this reflection, however, has to do with a different kind of growth. I have been intrigued with the idea of the mirror image spoken of in the biblical passage found in James 1:23-25. Here is how it reads in the Mirror Bible, 

“The difference between a mere spectator and a participator is that both of them hear the same voice and perceive in its message the face of their own genesis reflected as in a mirror; they realize that they are looking at themselves, but for the one it seems just too good to be true; this person departs (back to the old way of seeing himself) and immediately forgets what manner of person he is; never giving another thought to the one he saw in the mirror. The other one is mesmerized by what he sees; captivated by the effect of a law that frees a person from the obligation to the old written code that restricted one to their own efforts and willpower. No distraction of contradiction can dim the impact of what is seen in the mirror concerning the law of perfect liberty (the law of faith) that now frees everyone to get on with the act of living the life (of their original design.) They find a new spontaneous lifestyle; the poetry of practical living. The law of perfect liberty is the image and likeness of God revealed in Christ, now redeemed in mankind as in a mirror. 

Over the past few months I have sought to wrap my mind around this contrasted idea between the spectator and the participator. As I began to examine their differences it became apparent to me that sometimes I was a participator but most of the time I was a spectator. In other words, I began to realize that as I peered into this mirror all too often I would turn and walk away forgetting what I had beheld in the mirror. This became evident in my behaviors and particularly the kind of behaviors that distracted me from my relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

When I began to realize that Jesus Christ is the Mirror image of what God sees in you and me, my understanding started to open up some. I came across another statement that aided me further, “…we do not grow more complete, rather we simply grow in the knowledge of our completeness.” I was under the notion that somehow I was not complete and I needed to do something or strive to become something by acting a certain way that would make me more accepted by God. Little did I know that I was already accepted by God and it was by God’s doing that this reality is what it is! 

My awareness now is increasing. The importance of the mirror can not be over emphasized. The“participator” continually looks into the mirror. Just recently I believe I heard the Holy Spirit speak a word to me that was so overwhelming concerning the mirror that it stopped me in my tracks and I began weeping. What I heard was this, “Keep looking into the mirror until you see what I see.” Do you ever wonder what God sees when God looks at you? Just the fact that you and I exist lets me know that God purposed you and I and everyone else to be invited to look intently into that mirror. And if we purpose to look long enough we will see the face of our genesis, our beginning in Christ Jesus, for He is the mirror image of God the Father. For Jesus said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.”