James 1:23-27 Awakenings

The life of the hearer is characterized by ignoring God's word. But the life of a true believer is characterized by listening to and doing God's word. Kevin showed us pictures of mirrors that were used in the first century AD. They were nothing like our mirrors today - more like trying to see yourself in bottom of one of my stainless steel cooking pans. The person who really wanted to know what he or she looked like would have to really gaze, really closely study to get an accurate picture. That's what James was talking about when he compared studying God's word to looking in a mirror and then walking away. If we want a truly accurate picture of ourselves, both the sin and the incredible love God has for us, we need to gaze into His word intently, often, and with obedience as the outcome.