Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…

“Now we see a blurred image in a mirror;
Then…we will see very clearly.
Now my knowledge is incomplete.
Then I will have complete knowledge,
As God has complete knowledge of me.”
1 Corinthians 13:12

How often in a day do you look in a mirror? What are some of the thoughts that go
through your mind as you are looking? (I’ll give you a moment to honestly think on that…) 😉

I have never counted the times in a day that I look in a mirror. Whether it’s a glance, or
a close-up focus, … with lighting, or in my car. Each morning it is an essential part of
my routine.

When I am in the desert, however, it is not easy to find a mirror. IF there is one, it is
usually a “cloudy” reflection (which can be a blessing, considering the scarcity of
cosmetic supplies there!) Often, my first mirror experience after leaving the desert is a
rather jolting moment, followed by a frantic search through my carry-on bag for the
emergency implements and products I hope I brought with me! Thankfully, in the
camps, most of my face is covered, and not an issue. . . unless the wind grabs my
gauzy wrap that was tucked in place for just such an event.

Our culture makes a big deal of our outward appearance. It’s a part of our human
nature. Ancient cultures also valued outward appearance. Scripture includes many stories and mentions of outward appearance. In ancient times, “mirrors” were metal surfaces that
had been polished to make a reflection possible. (check out your metal pots to see how
well they reflect your face! Paul’s “blurred image” makes a lot of sense!)

The way we see ourselves personally and spiritually is not with a high quality mirror.
What we see is not with the clarity and detail of the reality. God sees the reality. Plus,
He knows how we see ourselves. He knows the blurred vision we have of ourselves.
Some of us see a great image looking back at us. But most of us see the flaws. That is
likely the most common reason for looking in the mirror. . . wanting to improve our
reflection, not to admire it.

What a sweet Perspective dear Paul gives about that part of our human nature. It
clearly includes our spiritual nature, as well. We are looking at ourselves through a very
scratched, flawed, distorted lens. We are seeing our human reality with our human
eyes. It is not a very good picture!

BUT….someday…when God is showing each of us the way He sees us, you….me….,
and we are seeing what He sees without the “dimness” through our human lens, it will
be through the Lens of His dearly loved Son. . . Who valued us ….loved us….enough to
be “in the Mirror” with us for all of Eternity.

He is in that Picture now, with each one who has come near to Him, and let Him come
near to them.