Merely A Reflection In The Mirror

"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 someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." - James 1:22-24

I took the following excerpt from a recent Yahoo News post. "Thursday’s bipartisan National Prayer Breakfast, where President Donald Trump affirmed he now “much more strongly” believes in God, went off the rails once lawmakers closed their Bibles and opened their social media accounts."

The idea for a National Prayer Breakfast first came from a Methodist minister in the1930's, but today religious leaders of many faiths attend, including [a number] Christian denominations, Islam and Judaism. In another article, a politician was quoted as saying "Christian prayer has no place in the Capitol." One of the pillars of this country is the idea of freedom of religion. From a secular perspective that makes sense - that people of other faiths might live in harmony with all people having no fear of isolation or persecution. However, for people of any particular faith, few if any believe that there is more than one true religion - that being theirs. 

Certainly, our country was founded largely by those of the Christian faith, but the country has evolved. With respect to faith, race and culture the United States is not the "melting pot" that I was taught about in grade school in the 1950's. It is stratified and by its nature weak at the seams. 

As Christians we must have a spiritual understanding of the natural world we live in. We have a dual citizenship. One on this planet and one in Heaven. (Philippians 3:19-21) Our primary allegiance is to the Creator God and secondarily to our country. Until Jesus returns there will always be a tension between the Body of Christ and the world in which we live - to include all other faiths. So what should we do? Do what Jesus did. But I might add, they still crucified Him.

OK, so much for my social commentary. 

The news post reminded of the verse in James chapter 1. We look in the mirror, turn away, and forget what we just saw. In the same way, we can attend an event - maybe church on Sunday and before we hit the door on our way to our car the Pastor's sermon is a distant memory. The conviction we felt from the Spirit as the Word was preached has faded. And we are back in the "real world". Our minds fixed on our bellies and what we are going to do on a Sunday afternoon. Like those lawmakers who had just left the Prayer Breakfast. Their response to the Prayer Breakfast is like church can be. It was a social - even mandatory event - where their attendance was expected. Yes, kind of like church can be. 

When we look in the mirror, we should see the reflection of Jesus in the saved sinner looking back at us. Not forgetting who were once were and who we are and will be for eternity.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone