The Bible is often referred to as the “mirror of the soul.” I suppose that it is called such because of what James said in his epistle, when writing to the twelve tribes scattered abroad. There he said, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:22-25).

Just as one looks in a mirror to see themselves physically, to make any needed changes in their appearance, so one must look in the mirror of the soul to see themselves as God truly beholds them. What do you see when you look at your soul? Are there changes that need to be made? Do you like what you see? More importantly, does God like what is revealed there? Are you willing to make the necessary changes in your spiritual appearance if it is blemished?

This mirror reveals our origin (Genesis 2:7); speaks of our life on this globe (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8); and tell us about eternity (Matthew 25:46). Because of sin, man’s soul can become disfigured and flawed. It is through the Bible we can learn of these faults and failure, but also grasp the needed information to make necessary corrections to once again be pure and holy in the sight of the Lord.

As you look at your soul in this revealing instrument, what do you see? Do you see a person who has never done what the Scriptures teach to be remitted of sin? Have you believed that Jesus is the Christ (John 8:24), repented of your sins (Luke 13:3), confessed Christ’s name, and been immersed in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 8:36)? Once arising a new creature in Christ Jesus, having been saved by the grace of God, are you now walking in newness of life (Romans 6:4-6)? Are you allowing the Spirit of God to lead you in the path of righteousness through the word that has been revealed (Galatians 5:18; Ephesians 6:17)? Or do you see a soul once again marred by the sins of the flesh, because we have allowed Satan to gain victory through yielding to temptations (Galatians 5:19-21)?

Not only can it reveal our shortcomings and weaknesses, but it can also disclose our good traits and qualities as well. When men were to be selected to take care of the widows who were being neglected in Acts 6, the qualifications given were a “good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Seven men were chosen who obviously met those requirements (Acts 6:5). It was said of Dorcas, “This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds” (Acts 9:36). What a testimony to the life of this wonderful lady who had died while serving the Lord. In Hebrews 11, that entire chapter tells us of men and women who had lived lives in faith and would now receive their eternal reward, a city prepared for them (Hebrews 11:16).

Pick up the mirror of the soul and look in it. What do you see? Do you see a faithful Christian who attends all the worship services? One who is the salt of the earth and light to a world that is overwhelmed in sin and ignorance? Or do you see someone who needs to change; one that needs to have their priorities in the right place and have the joy of their salvation restored unto them? A person who needs a heart that once again burns with zeal and determination in serving the God of heaven? Don’t get angry with the mirror or with the one who reveals the reflection seen therein. Do what James says, “be doers of the word” (James 1:22).

By Jimmy Mickells