Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

MIRROR GAZING

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of

the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

Life imagery is very much a part of God’s Word. That Holy Word is a “magic,” reflective mirror. Paul told the Corinthians, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 3:18. In his epistle, James used the same type of comparison, saying, “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. James 1:23-25

If these two scripture references were accepted as a summation of true Christianity, they would evidence a sore need for more of God’s people to a lot more Word-mirror gazing. This is not a judgmental statement so much as it is an observation of godly fruit bearing. Jesus emphasized that “by their fruits ye shall know them.”

Could it be that what is missing in modern Christianity is personal commitment to the person, words, and works of Christ Jesus? What the world needs to see is not so much a string of glorious words so much as evidence of a changed life. Again, that evokes the idea of mirror gazing as Paul told the Romans: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” 12:1-2.

MIRROR GAZING

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Reflect my image,

flattery and all, Roll back

some years

in what I see.

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