Fatal Forgetfulness

July 21, 2025

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. James 1:23-24 NIV

What do you do first thing in the morning? One of the first things I do is take a quick look in the mirror to see how much work I have to do to face the world. 😊 The sleep that can restore my body can also wreak havoc on my hair and give me some new crinkles and wrinkles on my face. Looking in the mirror shows me what’s good and what needs some attention, so it’s good for me. Everyone benefits when I pay attention to the mirror.

Those are the kinds of thoughts James, the brother of Jesus, shared in his letter. He, too, knew how he needed a mirror to give him valuable input on his appearance. Then he said that he regarded the Word of God as a spiritual mirror, a vital tool for aligning our hearts with the heart of God.

The Bible is God’s gift to us. God’s plan is for us to become more and more like Jesus. Romans 8:29 is one of many places in the New Testament letters to God’s people, telling us that God wants us to look more and more like Jesus each day. He says His great plan is that we will be conformed to the image of His Son. God’s Word shows us with great reliability our strengths and weaknesses. When we look at ourselves in that mirror, we see our growth and the beauty of our growth in grace. The writers report the results of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, and we can see how it impacts our relationships.

When we read the Bible, it also carefully exposes what is really in our hearts that needs to change – our sins, our shortcomings, the areas of life where we need to repent and then become more like Jesus. It’s not always a pretty picture. Most of us don’t really want to look into the mirror and confront our failures, our compromises, our apathy, our lack of obedience. But when we do, God is ready to help us. He is always merciful, graceful, and loving. He will faithfully do the loving work of transformation where we need to change.

As we prioritize the privilege of looking into God’s mirror, our Father shows us how we can look more like His Son. Our job is to not allow fatal forgetfulness to stop the process. Look in the mirror today and let God show you how your heart looks. Walk away with gratitude that you know the truth, and let the Holy Spirit help you resemble Jesus more today than you did yesterday.

• Father, thank You so much for being committed to taking who I am and growing me to be like Jesus. Help me walk in truth today.