Reflecting Jesus
By Jen Wollner
“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)
I was driving near our home recently and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a bright light. I looked to see what it was and saw a colorful display of light coming from a large window of a nearby home. I looked closer, trying to figure out what could be making that kind of light and I realized that it wasn’t coming from inside the house, but rather was a reflection of something outside. I looked in the opposite direction (slightly behind me) to see what was making all that color and I saw a spectacular sunset on the horizon…much more beautiful than what I was seeing on the window. It was one of the most incredible displays of creation I had ever witnessed! But, if it hadn’t been for that window reflecting the light, I would have missed it completely.By Jen Wollner
“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)
Just like that window reflecting the sunset, we are to be a reflection of Christ. We are to be a light for Him…a sign that points others to Him. As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, yielding to the Holy Spirit in us, we are transformed into a more complete reflection of Jesus. As this happens, our lives will draw others to us. They may admire us or want to be like us and it can be easy to let pride sneak in as we desire to take glory for ourselves. But, our job is to re-direct these people to Him. Ultimately, we are only the reflection and not the Source of the light.
Because we are imperfect, we can never be a completely accurate representation of Jesus. Even in our best moments, we are still just a fraction of what He is. But, even that shows us something beautiful: our imperfection is evidence of the love of a perfect God.
Keep shining for Him and reflecting His spectacular, awe-inspiring love to a world that might otherwise miss Him.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What steps can you take to be the most accurate reflection of Jesus you can possibly be?
2. If you are completely honest with yourself, would you say that you are tempted to take glory away from the Lord, wanting others to be impressed with you? Ask God to convict you of these times and help you turn the focus back to Him.
FURTHER READING:
Genesis 1:26-27
Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children under the age of 6. Jen heads the Fresh Start ministry and is on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.
