The mirror is a very common object. We have all seen our images in mirrors, as well as those of other people and objects. Two things are evident about these images. First, there must be an object to be mirrored, or there will be no image. Second, the image we see may be a perfect or imperfect reflection of the object. The quality of the mirror determines how clear and accurate the image will be.
An old quicksilver mirror exposed to sunlight may become damaged, making the reflection indistinct. Other mirrors distort images, changing their size or shape. The character of the mirror is important — especially when it comes to our spiritual mirror.
What is our spiritual mirror? Our minds are our spiritual mirrors. We cannot see God directly, but we form a mental image of Him. Instead of viewing Him as He truly is, we see Him as He is reflected in our minds. Paul speaks of this, saying, “Beholding as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
God works in us and around us, and our mental image of Him has a profound effect on our attitude toward Him. If we have a wrong idea of God, we will have a distorted image of Him, which will shape our relationship with Him. A misunderstanding of God’s character can lead to unnecessary fear, doubt, and distance.
We see varied ideas of God and Christ reflected in the New Testament. Some said of Christ, “He is a good man.” Others said, “He deceives the people.” One writer of Scripture described Him as altogether lovely, the fairest among ten thousand. Others viewed Him with fear and dread.
In one of Christ’s parables, a servant said to his master, “You are an austere man.” Because he saw his master as severe and exacting, he was afraid. Many today have this same perception of God. They see Him only as a strict judge, ready to punish, rather than a loving Father. Their image of God emphasizes His justice but leaves out His mercy and kindness.
A person with this view of God may try to obey Him out of fear but will never be able to love Him fully. They may tremble at the thought of standing before Him, rather than drawing near in trust and confidence.
Just as we can misjudge God, we can misjudge people. Early in my Christian life, I met a minister who looked very stern. For days, I was in his company, feeling uneasy and intimidated. I thought his piercing eyes could see right through me. But as I got to know him, I realized he was kind and tenderhearted. Eventually, he became like a father to me, someone I could trust and approach freely.
A wrong idea of God has this same effect. It makes us afraid to come to Him. But when we see His true character — His fatherly love, His compassion, and His enduring mercy — we approach Him with joy rather than fear.
If your mental mirror shows God as an “austere man,” remember, the problem is not with God but with the mirror. It is essential to correct our understanding of Him. Some believe God has little time for them or He is only interested in pointing out their faults. This false image makes their spiritual life one of bondage and discouragement.
God knows we are weak and imperfect. His concern is not to condemn but to help us grow. A loving mother does not constantly search for faults in her child — she nurtures and encourages. Likewise, God’s love is patient and enduring.
At times, we may feel that our failures make God impatient with us, as though He is ready to give up on us. But this is not true. Such thinking comes from a distorted image of God. The real God, as revealed in Scripture, is full of grace and love.
The Bible reflects God accurately. When our view of Him does not align with Scripture, we must reject our own flawed perceptions and trust what the Bible reveals. Isaiah 54:10 gives us a beautiful picture of God’s unchanging love:
“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, says the Lord that has mercy on you.”
Troubled heart, look upon this image. Let it be reflected in your mind. See God as He truly is.
Charles Wesley Naylor is considered one of the most prolific and inspiring songwriters of the Church of God. He was bedridden for much of his adult life but wrote eight books, a newspaper column and more than 150 songs. Many of his writings are in the public domain.
