The Word is a Mirror

…don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. James 1:22 (NLT)

 Props: mirror; costume accessories

 Teacher: James chapter one says that the Bible is like a mirror in which we see ourselves.  What do you use a mirror for in the mornings?  (Allow for response).  You can use the Bible in the same way!  No, you don’t use the Bible to help you brush your hair, but you should use the Bible to see how you really look—on the inside. 

 (Helper enters and begins “dressing” while speaking.  She should comb her hair haphazardly, put on mismatched shoes or accessories, etc.)

 Helper: I don’t need a mirror!  I know how to get dressed.  I’ve been getting dressed for years.  Besides, the mirror is way too hard on me.  It shows me every little flaw and it only makes me feel worse. 

 Teacher: Freeze!  (Helper freezes in position.)  This is like people who don’t want to read the Bible.  They think they know how to live and what to do.  Some people don’t want to read the Bible because they know that it will show them what they’re doing wrong.  Not reading the Bible is like getting dressed without a mirror in the morning. 

 (Helper continues getting dressed.  She applies lipstick around the outside of her lips, puts on her jacket inside out, etc.) 

 Helper: I tell ya’, I know what I’m doing.  The mirror wouldn’t do me any good.  I am perfectly capable of putting on everything without help. 

 (Teacher holds up mirror to helper and shows her what she looks like). 

 Helper: (Gasps.)  Oh, my.  Well, I have seen worse, you know.  Maybe if I just straighten this and fix that (doesn’t change much) it will be okay. 

 Teacher: Freeze!  (Helper freezes).  Kids, does she need to change quite a bit?  Of course!  She looks ridiculous.  James 1:23, 24 says, “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”   In other words, if you see something about yourself that you need to fix, fix it.  If you read (or hear) that the Bible says don’t lie, and you’ve been lying, you need to change and start telling the truth.  If you read (or hear) that the Bible says to love others, and you’ve been fighting with your family, you need to change and start showing love to them. 

 Teacher: (to helper) Now, don’t you think there are a few more things you need to fix?

 Helper: I guess I do look silly.  (Reaching out for mirror).  Hey, could I use that? 

Teacher: Be my guest.  (Helper exits).  The Bible will tell you what to change about yourself so that you can look more like God.  So remember, obey the Bible!