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. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:23-25 NIV
Unlike a physical mirror, the spiritual mirror has the ability to change our appearance.
The moment we are saved, the beauty of Jesus is imparted into our inner being. His blood washes away our sin and blemishes. Our beautification begins at salvation (Ps. 149:4).
Then the sanctification process is our beauty regimen. As we yield to the leading and direction of the Holy Spirit, we are shaped into Christ’s likeness. There is no one or no thing that is more beautiful than Jesus Christ. The Word and the Spirit transform us from glory to glory so that we are reflecting the beauty of Jesus (2 Cor. 3:18).
Yes, Jesus salves our wounds with the balm of Gilead, which softens our pained faces. He uproots our bitterness which replaces the anger in our eyes with a sparkle. Graciously, Jesus tenderizes our hearts, from which flow acts of love. Our spiritual beauty enhances our physical beauty.
How do we cooperate with the Holy Spirit in our beautification? The beauty of God is what beautifies us. He releases His beauty into us as we fix our gaze on Him. We behold the Beautiful One in worship, prayer and acts of devotion. As we focus on Him, He shapes us into His character, His beauty.
With the spiritual mirror, it is possible to become more beautiful with age. Now that is good news!