Reflecting Christ

by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal

My husband and I purchased our first home in 1996 (a lovely 1976 ranch with harvest gold appliances) with the intention of staying a few years and upgrading to our “dream” home. Fourteen years and two children later we decided it was time for that upgrade. During the move a friend commented that he had never known someone who owned so many mirrors, and that I must like looking at myself… a lot. He was half right; early into homeownership I discovered the amazing result of strategically placing mirrors throughout my home to add depth and dimension to small spaces, and reflect light into dark places. 

Strategically placing the correct mirror in our spiritual lives will also reflect light into dark places, and add a much needed dimension of truth. In last week’s Superintendent’s message, we were reminded that “as a result of the fall in the garden, we are all born with a bent towards sin” and that “Only the grace of Jesus provides the solution, which also lives in our heart.” We find that solution by looking intently at our heart through the “mirror of God’s word”. However, sometimes it is difficult to see ourselves in scripture. We may have blind spots of disobedience, or we only take a quick glance, looking but not truly seeing. When we gaze deep into the word, it reveals the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. It brings to light the beauty and the ugly, and speaks to how we really appear to the one who created us in His image. 

James boldly proclaims,  “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:22-25 (NLT). We rarely take time to look in the mirror, note what needs fixing, and walk away without making the necessary adjustments. An important responsibility of all disciples is to make those necessary adjustments through a relationship of trust with the divine image consultant. Learning to fully access and understand the truth, relevance, and transforming power of God’s word will beautify our thoughts, words, and actions. Then, as we are conformed to the the image of Christ, His character will be reflected in all we do.
 
I must admit, having a bent towards clumsiness in addition to sinfulness, I have broken plenty of mirrors in my life. Thankfully, the mirror of God’s word can never be broken, tarnished, or distorted. 

May we all reflect the light and love of the Father!
 
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– Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal