Recently I wrote an article for a local newspaper. Since, I have not gotten to write on the blog for a week, I thought I would post the article for you. Enjoy!

There are many things which I consider to be painful, but only a few circumstances in life compare with the anguish I encountered a few weeks ago. I know what you may be thinking - broken bone or a root canal. Although I have had the unfortunate opportunity to experience both of these situations, my distress was not the result of a physical occurrence but rather something you would probably consider normal - a trip to the photographer. Some of you do not understand my feelings of pain because you love having your picture taken, but I think many more of you can identify with my situation. When I arrived at the photographer, I was greeted by a very friendly woman who directed me to a waiting room. This area was not your typical room…it was space with a very large mirror. She told me to make sure I looked my best before being photographed. Now, unless there were surgical tools in the drawers of that room, nothing was going to change my appearance at this point. For the next few minutes, I sat in front of that mirror hoping this would be over soon. What is it about having a picture taken or looking into a mirror which makes us cringe? I am not a psychologist, but I tend to think it has something to do with the fact that many individuals do not like what they see. A mirror or a picture exposes the real you.

The writer James compares the Bible to a mirror (James 1:21-27). Rather than reflecting our physical appearance, it accurately reflects our spiritual condition. Instead of revealing physical blemishes and flaws, it manifests every area where we fall short of God’s standard of righteousness. Timothy adds that the Bible is beneficial “for doctrine [what is right], for reproof [what is wrong], for correction [how to adjust wrong behavior], for instruction in righteousness [how to sustain good conduct].” Take some time today to look into God’s mirror, the Bible. Although it will accurately expose the real you, it will also provide direction for living life the way God intended.