The Book of James

and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work –

As the man who glanced into the mirror and forgot what he looked like, a committed Christian would not only look into the mirror of God’s truth, but act upon it. This action is a prerequisite
for the blessing mentioned in the remaining portions of this verse.

In this passage James is simply shedding light on a spiritual truth by using a natural object. A mirror has three purposes:

The Three Fold
Purpose of A Mirror

Examination

To examine something is ‘to look closely and intently at in order to learn about and to gather information from’. We are to examine God’s Word. When we read of the truths presented, we
are to investigate them, to search them out so that there may be understanding
of them, in order to practically apply them to our lives.

Restoration

By continuing in a study of God’s truth restoration can then be brought about. Truths of Scripture will open up a man’s fallen nature. We are to daily spend time meditating and reflecting on the scriptures.

Joshua 1:8 - This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you
will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Psalm 119:97 - Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Transformation

The Word reflects the glory of God as though in a mirror (2 Cor 3:18). If we want to know what the glory of God is we are to look in the Word. This gives us a picture, though not a true image of God’s glory. We will never fully comprehend it this side of eternity, although we are to spend our lives being transformed into His very own image. The King James uses the word
‘changed’ which derived from the original Greek uses the word from which we get metamorphose – a constant changing and evolving. How does this transformation take place? When we look at the Word and respond in obedience by doing what it commands us.

We need to have the Word written on our hearts. Second Corinthians 3:3 tells us that under the new covenant Christ writes His word on our hearts and not on tablets of stone. No longer is salvation an external matter of laws written on stone and with ink, but now it transfers to salvation being internal - a state of the heart.

this one will be blessed in what he does. – A correct response to God’s word will bring blessing. Some use this verse to say that we are blessed for our good deeds. This verse however, does not abdicate that a man will be blessed for his deeds but instead in his deeds. Therefore it is not just knowing God’s will but doing God’s will that will cause the blessing to given.

When we obey the truth of God’s word we then can begin to know the power of the truth. Christ said to His disciples that if they would hold to and obey His teachings then they would know the truth, and the truth would set them free. The truth of God’s word brings about the true freedom found in the Law of Liberty.

James uses the rest of the passage to provide a clear example of listening and doing.