Remember what you see in the mirror.  James 1.22-25

Sometimes I look in the mirror after morning toilette, and conclude, 'Okay, good . . . makeup looks good, eyes look vibrant, hair is in place. . . ready, set, go!’  Other times, I look in the mirror, and even after my best make-up job, walk away thinking, 'well, it isn't great--but its the best I've got today . . . I'm off!' But never do I look in the mirror and walk away and forget what I look like . . . do you?  James makes the mirror analogous to the Word of God, saying, “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.” Why should I want to do what God’s Word says?  Because then I will be blessed!  James tells me so in verse 25.

I could give example after example to illustrate that God’s Word is a great blueprint for life and getting along with others, but let me just use the preceding  verses. 

James takes a look at anger, (verses 19 and 20), and then tells us how to get it under control. . . his words are practical and do-able. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." We can see that, but sometimes feel powerless to change behavior patterns. May I give you a suggestion?

Let's say your mate or your mother says something that hurts you, makes you feel angry and defensive. . .

BEFORE you react or overreact, try this:

~Repeat back to her what you believe she said, and say, 'is that what you meant to say?'

~She then can say, 'oh, no, what I meant to say was this.....' or she will confirm what you heard. . .

~You then say, 'why did you say that?' (then be quiet and listen)

~You can then explain, or simply say, 'when you said that, this is how it made me feel. . . '

~BE QUIET, and let her respond, if she hasn't already, she may apologize. . .

It is noteworthy that right after James' mention of anger, he says 'get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent' . . . hmmm, so is anger moral filth? God's economy--not yours, not mine.

You know, one more thought on this--for some time, I mistakenly thought I had no issue with anger because I did not have a temper.  Do not confuse these--just because you don't 'blow your stack', does not mean you don't deal with anger.  Anger can be a bitter thought pushed way back inside of you that gains interest, so to speak, in an account called 'Resentment'.  Anger is usually secondary to fear or hurt--so, interview yourself about anger you have. . .>>>>>>figure it out, go talk to your Father about it, give it to Him, and be free.

Let’s read the Word of God, remember it and apply it, just as we look into the mirror and remember our faces throughout the day.

There is freedom in following God's Word, and there's blessing too!

Christine