We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18 CSB).

If we’re honest, we’re all painfully aware of our faults and frailties. So, how is it possible for us to meet God’s requirement for holiness? One answer is depicted in a children’s version of John Bunyan’s classic tale, The Pilgrim’s Progress.

On his journey, Pilgrim discovers a wonderful mirror. There’s nothing unusual about the front of the glass. It reveals the features, flaws, and blemishes of whomever holds it.

However, the back of mirror displays the face of Jesus. Whoever looks at the person from the back of the mirror only sees Jesus.

So also when we honestly reflect on our lives, we see the flaws and blemishes that accompany all of our features. But, in his mercy, God chooses to look at us from the direction that reveals only his Son. We see our sin; God chooses to see his Son.

Pilgrim’s wonderful mirror reveals how you can be holy in this life – not by your own merits but by the mercy of God that substitutes the goodness and glory of Jesus’ image for yours, even as you are being transformed more into his likeness.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for looking at me through the image of your Son. Now continue to transform me into that same image, so that the glory you have provided for me will become more and more reflected in me.