A MIRROR OF GRACE

This post is a follow up to last weeks GRACE AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. You will recall our suggesting the Epistle of James holds the believer responsible in the area of spiritual development.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; For he observes himself, goes away and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
(James 1:22-25)

These are appropriate words for a post modern culture which has looked away from God and stands before a mirror obsessed with self. Consider the plastic surgery industry for example. According to the American Society Of Plastic Surgeons over ten million procedures were preformed last year representing a 38% increase sense the year 2000. The global industry will soon post revenues of 30 billion dollars annually.

This is a multi billion dollar a year industry driven by people who live in a world where physical appearance is championed. This being the case many people today find it hard to walk away from the mirror and forget. Plastic surgery may offer a cosmetic means to alter a physical appearance but it can do nothing to change the heart.

However, looking to the perfect law of liberty reflects the heart of the Lord and offers the person a glimpse of completeness. The Apostle Paul said,
“ By the grace of God I am what I am.” Here is the testimony of a man who was well versed in the law of God and experienced a moment of grace, which changed his heart forever.

If you desire to grow and develop spiritually you must look to the reflection of His character, which is found in His word, and be honest with yourself. There are no cosmetic short cuts. It requires engaging God with an honest heart. The following list offers a look at a few who dared to be honest.


Abraham (Gen. 15:3 )

Abraham has been promised a son but years have passed and disappointment comes as he patiently waits. Phillip Yancey says Abraham will emerge as the first person thoroughly disappointed with God. In this text Abraham is honest and brings his disappointment to God. He walks away with a promise confirmed and enters into a covenant.


Moses (Num. 11:11-14)

Moses has become weary with a burden leadership. Notice his questions.
“ Why have you afflicted your servant? … Did I conceive these people…Where am I to Get meat to give to all these people.’ I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me.” Being honest with himself Moses brings his Inability as an offering to God. He walks away having received favor, which is another word for grace.


David (Psalm 51)

David has committed personal sin and brought judgment upon his house and the household of God. In Psalm 51 he prays, “ Have mercy upon me O God…” He confesses, “For I acknowledge my transgressions…” David comes before God with an honest heart and brings a confession. He walks away having received forgiveness and restoration.

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Job (Job 2:22 )

Everything Job believed about God had been seriously challenged. There is no way to explain the loss and now It seems as if heaven is silent. He looks through the confusion and clings to the goodness of God. In the end he walks away with a renewed sense of the presence of God.

There are more but this list will suffice as an example of those who would dare to be honest with God and self. God is not offended when we enter into his presence with questions. He enjoys dialog with an open and honest heart. This too is a reflection of grace.