What do you reflect???

Reflect:  Webster's definition:  1.  To bend or cast back, as light, heat, or sound.  2.  To give back a likeness or image of, as a mirror does.

Fellow Crossriver author, Merrie Hansen's Scripture post today got me thinking.  We are made in the image of God and should, therefore, reflect, or be a reflection of who He is.  I Corinthians 3:16 

"Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If any man destroys the temple of God , God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are."

We are also told that we are to be light in darkness.  Christ is the light, we are to reflect His great light--just as the moon has no light of its own and reflects the light of the sun--we have no light of our own and are to be conformed to the image of Christ and reflect His light.

"You are the light of the world...let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven."   Matthew 5:14-16

This should give us all pause to consider how we are presenting Christ to those around us.  Are we reflecting His image or are we marring and polluting His creation, giving a warped view of who He is? 

The best way to judge ourselves is to look into the mirror of God's Word.  It is a discerner of our heart and a lamp for our feet.  Going around all day with egg on your face is embarrassing to discover at day's end.  I remember meeting a minister at  a funeral.  He was new in town--his family had not arrived yet.  He had toothpaste smeared on his upper lip.  He had come to the funeral to meet the family and others--his first impression, unfortunately left something to be desired.  (Poor guy--without his wife on hand to inspect him before he left the house--he presented his first impression to everyone with toothpaste on his face).

Just as we don't want food on our face, or our hair standing on end--our clothes in-side-out, or a run in our stocking--we should be cautious as well how we reflect our Lord.   Our speech, manners, (or lack of them), the way we dress, the things we do--will impact the light we shed to those hungry for light in the middle of darkness.  Oh, it's true--people shouldn't JUDGE on our outward appearance--but the way we present ourselves may cause people to Judge our Lord.  We are to be a reflection of Him!

We have been created in God's image--He is the potter, we are the clay.  He desires to take our imperfections and transform us completely into His image.  When we take on the things that mar His creation--we are interfering with the Master's Art.  Would we dare to add to Michael Angelo's paintings, or Beethoven's symphonies?  How much greater is the work Christ does in us through the power of His Holy Spirit.  My prayer, Lord help me to reflect your light, your love, your truth to everyone around me.

Romans 12:2  "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

 Remember, He is the potter.  Are you allowing Him to shape and mold you?