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The book of James in the New Testament answers the question, "How can I be mature in Christ?" It is a book filled with very clear ways on how to live so that you escape an ordinary Christian life. Last week we learned about the danger of an angry heart. This week we are going to learn about the importance of looking into the mirror of God's Word...

Let's look at this week's passage, James 1:22-27:

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

James explains we deceive ourselves by only listening to God's Word and not applying it to our lives. Anyone who listens to the Word of God, but does not put it into practice, is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and walks away, forgetting what he looks like.

Now what adds colour to this verse is the fact that the Greek word for 'man' used here specifies a 'male' rather than 'mankind' or 'male and female'. Why single out how a man looks in the mirror compared to a woman? The answer is obvious. Men, for the most part, do not pay as close attention to detail regarding their appearance as women do.

Consistent look

Women, to their compliment in this passage, have the ability to turn almost anything that gives a reflection into a mirror, whether it is a store window or the rear view mirror of a car. Women seem to want to ensure that the appearance they began the day with is consistent throughout the entire day, a sort of quality control.

The average man, however, looks at his face in the mirror at the start of the day, but makes no particular effort to make sure of his appearance throughout the day.

Hence, the Word of God is saying, as a woman desires to ensure a consistent appearance throughout the day by checking her reflection in the mirror, so all Christians should make sure that what they read in God's Word is consistent in their every day practice. We have to make sure that we are true to the mirror of the Word of God, constantly checking that we are being obedient to what we read.

In other words, when the Word of God says to forgive others, help people, show love, and we have to ensure it's a part of our lifestyle rather than the odd occasion. We must look intently, which means to look carefully and consistently. This practice is what leads to the abundant life. The ultimate test of whether or not we are serious about God depends on what comes out of our mouths. Notice James' caution: we should keep a tight rein on our tongues less we become fake or hypocritical people and deceived people.

Conversely, the most important goal of any church ministry or believers is to become more 'other' centered, to see what they can do to make an impact on society. Two types of people that need help are the youth and the elderly. For this reason pure religion is described as helping orphans and widows in their distress.

God is ultra-sensitive to these two types of people. They need to be cared for, they need to be protected and they need to be encouraged.

Remember, James is answering the question, 'How to be mature in Christ?' Those who are mature in Christ are not just consumed by themselves; they strive to impact and bless other people, especially those who cannot help themselves.

I encourage you to get involved in helping others - and this can be done in a very practical way. Maybe God will lead you to help the elderly, to visit those at the Extended Care Unit or maybe get involved in foster care, or Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Maybe it is looking around your sphere of influence for families you can help within your own church.

Real spiritual success is not keeping the love of God for yourself, but sharing it with others. God wants us to give up more of our time, treasure, and talents - and when you do, He gives you back more than you ever gave up. It's worked for me - try it for yourself.

Pastor Gary C. Simons serves as the Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Bible Fellowship, 82 Church Street, Hamilton, Bermuda, HM12

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