Reflecting Christ in a Fallen World

“Every believer’s mission is to reflect Christ and bear witness to a lost and dying world.”

–Diana Lee Flegal

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.  He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. John 1:6-8 AKJV

To Witness is to Reflect

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary offers multiple definitions of the verb reflect or, to reflect. For our consideration, I’d like to use these two: to give back or exhibit an image, likeness, or outline; to throw back light and sound.

Spring has been beautiful here in Wilmington, NC. The leafing trees and budding flowers inspire hope and new beginnings. At my place of residence, a short walk brings me to a bench that sits overlooking two ponds with a fountain in the center of the largest one. I enjoy walking there in the mornings with my coffee, where I scan the edges of the pond for a glimpse of our resident alligator. As a Yankee, it has been exciting to observe the movements of our gator as I contemplate the goodness of God and seek His wisdom for my day.

For about three weeks now, our fountain has not been working, allowing the surrounding trees and foliage to clearly reflect on the water’s surface. Which got me to questioning if I reflected God correctly to those around me.

A Good Reflection

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

The above passage directly refers to Christ’s followers—Christians—as the “light of the world.” Following His declaration, He instructs us to let our light shine through good works so others may glorify God, indicating that Christians reflect Christ’s light rather than being the source themselves.  We are to be reflectors of Christ.

We are Lighthouses

Let’s imagine our candle, set upon a candle stand as a lighthouse, and go back to Merriam–Webster. Reflector: one that reflects; a polished surface that reflects light.

Our Carolina coast is dotted with many lighthouses, and seven of them remain active aids in navigation. Old Baldy Lighthouse (Bald Head Island) is one of them, and it can be viewed when taking the Fort Fisher- Southport Ferry across the mouth of the Cape Fear River, just 15 miles south of me.

Lighthouses work by using a powerful lamp combined with a specialized Fresnel lens to concentrate light into a focused beam that rotates, creating a distinct characteristic flashing pattern that allows sailors to identify their location. Modern lighthouses are automated with electric lamps, while historical ones used oil/kerosene and clockwork mechanisms.

How do we become a good Reflector?

Just as a lighthouse acts as a lifesaving beacon to sailors, our light is to reflect God’s love and call to mankind in a war-torn world that inspires fear and promotes hate. Yet Jesus says, Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

In order to reflect God, we must get to know our Savior well. And the best way we get to know anyone is to spend time with them. When we read God’s word, we learn who He is and that He truly desires to be in an intimate relationship with us. So much so that He sent His son to remove the sin that was separating us from Him, so we could become His sons and daughters. This is very good news. This is the light we bring to a dark, floundering world.

The Effects of God’s Glory

In Exodus 34:29-35, we read that Moses spent 40 days with God on Mt. Sinai seeking direction for God’s people. When he descended the mountain to speak to the people, his face radiated the glory of God, so much so that he had to veil his face. This was a direct result of spending time with God, but in this case, it was a temporary glory that faded. But as New Testament saints, we go from glory to glory. When others meet with us, it should be noted that we, too, have been with God.

Become a Lighthouse Keeper

A lighthouse is only effective if its lens is clean. If the reflector gets dirty, it will poorly reflect the light. In historical times, the reflecting surface of the lens would get coated by soot and smoke from the kerosene-fueled wicks. The job of the lighthouse keeper was to polish and clean the reflective surface so the light would continue to shine brightly. Better to direct and warn all who sailed close to the rocky coast.

As we walk in this world, we become dirty by association. The news tells us to live in fear. Infomercials entice us to spend money we do not have to purchase things we do not need. Old associates reach out and invite us to partake in activities we recognize as unhealthy. And our phones take us away from interacting with real people – those God has brought into our areas of influence. If we are not careful, our light becomes sooty, dim, and distorted, and is no help to those living without hope. What is the Remedy?

Wash your Lens

Smack in the middle of a passage in which Jesus is instructing husbands and wives how to properly love one another (Ephesians 5), we read;

…even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

When we read the word, it lights our candle, and then washes us clean from the defilement of the world so we can bear witness (better reflect) the Glory of the one true light – Jesus.

Let’s Give them Jesus

1Peter 3:15 tells us to always be ready to give an answer to anyone asking us about the hope we have. Like Moses, I want others to know I have been in the presence of God. They don’t need Diana; they need Jesus.

 

NOTE: Today, a guy in scuba gear will enter our pond, the pond with the 7-foot alligator, to diagnose the fountain’s problem and hopefully repair it. Soon, ripples will fracture the clear reflection of the trees, but the water will get the aeration it needs.

For more interesting information on how a lighthouse works, check out this YouTube video.