From Reflection to Transformation

“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.” (James 1:23-24, NIV)

Scientists have long marveled at chimpanzees' self-awareness, but what about gorillas? A fascinating new study challenges our assumptions by revealing that gorillas can rival their cousins in cognitive tasks requiring self-awareness (Massen et al., 2025). Traditionally, the mirror test has been the standard for evaluating self-recognition—asking animals to identify their reflection. Yet, for gorillas, this test may fall short. Known for their aversion to eye contact, gorillas often struggle with mirrors, not because they lack self-awareness but because the test isn’t tailored to their behavior. By designing a body-awareness test instead, researchers uncovered a surprising truth: gorillas are just as adept at recognizing how their own bodies interact with the environment. 

What about us as humans? A mirror can reveal our physical image, but does it tell us who we truly are? This raises a deeper question: is there more to self-awareness than recognizing a reflection in the glass?

Mirrors allow us to see the physical aspect of ourselves, but they cannot reflect the state of our hearts, mind, or spirit. James 1:23-24 challenges us to go beyond mere physical recognition. It warns against being like someone who looks into a mirror, walks away, and forgets what they saw—suggesting a failure to truly examine and act upon what they find.

Similarly, 1 Corinthians 13:12 reminds us of the limitations of our earthly understanding. In this life, we see through a glass dimly; we grasp only fragments of truth about ourselves and God. Yet, Scripture offers hope: through God, we can gain clarity and move closer to understanding who we truly are.

True self-awareness goes far deeper than a reflection in a polished surface. It’s revealed through prayer, meditation, and engagement with God’s Word. These spiritual practices act like mirrors that reflect not just our physical appearance but the condition of our souls. They help us uncover truths about ourselves—the beautiful, the broken, and the redeemable—and invite us to surrender them to Christ.

When we see things in the "mirror" of God’s truth that we don’t like, we have two choices: walk away and forget or surrender those parts of ourselves to Christ. The beauty of the gospel is that we don’t have to face change on our own. Through His unending grace, we are never alone on this journey. The Holy Spirit walks with us, offering strength and guidance to transform us day by day. Through Christ’s grace and power to reshape us, we grow and become more like God each step of our spiritual journey.

The next time you look into a mirror, pause. Ask yourself: What does this reflection reveal? Then, take it further. Spend time in prayer, asking God to show you what lies beyond the surface. Reflect on Scripture, allowing it to uncover the parts of your heart that need His love and transformation. Let the mirror be a starting point but not the end of your journey toward self-awareness and change.

Lord, thank You for the gift of reflection, both physically and spiritually. Help me see myself as You see me—not just what is on the surface but the person You are shaping me into. Instill in me the courage to confront my flaws and surrender them to You, knowing that through Christ, I am transformed. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

Massen, J. J. M., Vanhooland, L.-C., Mager, C., Teuben, A., & Bugnyar, T. (2025). Comparing the performances of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in two self-awareness tasks. American Journal of Primatology, 87(e70010). https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.70010