How are you?  One of the first and most common questions we ask when meeting someone we know is: “How are you doing?”  Are you as you think you are, or as you answer?  The New Testament writer, and presumed brother of Jesus called us to consider the good sense of looking at ourselves in a mirror and remember what we have seen (James 1:22-24).  As he addresses the subject, he states that it is still a possibility for anyone to walk away from a mirror and forget the real nature of one’s appearance. 

One day, while going through a workout in a popular gym, my interest was ignited as I watched some of the workout enthusiasts study their reflections.  Large mirrors covered the walls in much of the area, especially the area in which people worked with the “free weights”.  As these people moved weights through their various positions, their eyes were fixed on their own reflections.  Even as the weights were returned to the resting positions, the attention of the individual continued to study the reflection in the mirror.  Some of them would even flex muscles and twist their bodies to capture a moving view of the part of the body each had just been exercising. 

An initial view of these body-conscious, workout enthusiast might lead to the thought that such “bodybuilders” are simply vain worshippers of a perception of the well-developed human form.  That thought might even be correct.  No doubt, there are plenty of narcissists who have fallen in love with their own image in the reflecting pool.    Before we are too harsh, we must admit that if honesty is recognized, it must be admitted that there is at least a little bit of narcissism in each of us.

Perhaps there is more to mirror watching and studying than the initial consideration may have ascribed.  For, if there is a goal to be achieved in any pursuit, including bodybuilding, there must be a way to study progress and examine the correctness of the actions taken toward achieving that goal.  Mirrors help us track, measure, and adjust what we do as we look for positive results.

Consider —

There are all kinds of mirrors.  Yes, it is common to picture the image of the “looking glass” when the word is mentioned.  Broadening the view of application, there may be many means of allowing a person to accurately understand any aspect of life may be considered a mirror.  The wicked queen in the Grimm Brothers’ story of “Snow White” looks to her physical mirror with the intent of being rewarded with our own beauty.  In Michael Jackson’s self-examining song, “Man in the Mirror”, there is the challenge of examining the character and actions of a one’s own life.  Quite often, a trusted confidant may be a truly resourceful “mirror” in an effort to get a clear picture of personal conduct or appearance.

Let me take the thought of the mirror to the personal level.  As a preacher, teacher, and public speaker for about fifty years, I have found a kind of “mirror” to be my most challenging critic.  By “mirror”, I am addressing the visual or audible recordings of something I have presented.  It can be torturous to listen to the recording of my/your own voice and/or watch my/your movements.  Still, it can be an excellent learning and adjustment tool.  What I have often found is that I did not say or do things that exact same way I thought I did.  Such a mirror view can really bring a person down a few notches in an opinion of self.  What is better, that same mirror can help see what needs to be changed.   Let me also say that drawing on that mirror can also show the things that are good.  Every public speaker would be wise to take time to look and listen whenever it is possible. 

Looking in the mirror is about becoming and being the best you can be.  Think about it.  Why do we tend to have reflective mirrors in our bathrooms and (often) near the doors of our homes.  You know why.  We check ourselves.  We adjust our clothing.  We comb or fix our hair.  We look for any spot, stain, or blemish that might mar our appearance to others.  Speaking generally, no matter how good looking or homely we consider ourselves to be, we want to be seen in a positive way.  Thus, we use the mirror to measure and adjust ourselves before we move forward.

There are two keys to the value of a mirror. 

The first key is that of finding an honest mirror.  If there is good to be derived from a mirror, it must give an honest or accurate reflection.  Whether the reflection is literally physical, or more of a work status kind of thing, the reflective information needs to be accurate and understandable.

The second key is that of using the information the mirror provides.  Like any information given to us, the information from a mirror must be put to use if it is to be of any value.  Accepting corrective information requires a humble willingness to apply it.

So, mirrors of any kind are not just about vanity.  They are one of the better tools for seeing self as clearly as possible.  If we want to see ourselves as we are, see our shortcomings, see where we can improve, or even recognize our strengths, mirrors are invaluable.

If you want to find the best you that you can be, take this advice: Take a look in a good mirror.

Russell L. Dyer

1/11/2025