Well known Bible teacher, Keith Brooks had finished speaking to a large class of businessmen on the Christian’s responsibility to be a “light” in the world.
He had emphasised that believers are to REFLECT the Light of the world, the Lord Jesus, and one of the men told him of a recent experience in his home. When he had gone into his basement, he found some potatoes had sprouted and were growing in the darkest corner of the room. He couldn’t figure out how they could have received enough light to grow, until he noticed some copper pans hanging from the wall near a window. The brightly polished pans had reflected the rays of the morning sun onto the potatoes.
He told Brooks: “When I saw that,
I thought that even though I am not a preacher or a teacher,
with the ability to expound Scripture,
I can at least be a COPPER POT,
catching the rays of the SON
and reflecting HIS light
to someone in a dark corner”
Surely, we can ALL do that!
Do we reflect the Light of the world
to those around us who live in spiritual darkness?
Do I hear you say you don’t meet many people?
Have you prayed for opportunities?
Have you asked your Father God to SHOW you people in need?
Ladies! Here are two opportunities . . .
I go to a shopping centre every week, and the Lord opened my eyes to lonely or sad-looking ladies sitting on a bench in the centre. These ladies welcome a happy face and a listening ear. They respond to the reflected light of Christ and after a short time they are also wide open to hearing your testimony of how the Lord helps you. They will gladly receive a tract or booklet or (in my case, because I am Gideon auxiliary) a Gideon New Testament which has “help” verses in the front and the way of salvation in the back.
I have a soft spot for check out operators as I’ve had a few in my youth group over the years, and they often spoke of complaining and even abusive customers. Theirs is not an easy job, emotionally speaking, and they are always happy to see a happy customer who shows a little concern about THEIR day. They respond to the reflected light of Christ, and after the first couple of weeks, they greet you with enthusiasm and they are open to your words of testimony. (They also greatly appreciate your effort in placing goods in groups onto the conveyor belt – cold stuff together, fruit & veg together etc – and all placed with barcodes facing the machine)
I am sure men can find similar opportunities within their daily lives.
There are many ways we can reflect the light and love of our Redeemer to our friends and neighbours and to those we meet.
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
What other ways have you found to reflect the love and light of the indwelling Christ?
MEETING IN THE CLOUDS 
I loved this! New follower here.
LikeLike
Thanks and welcome. I hope we get to know each other better.
LikeLike
you’m betcha! Love meeting new folks on here!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on plantingpotatoes and commented:
May I share this new blog God has led me to? I was blessed by it’s light!
LikeLike
Thank you. I hope more people are encouraged to praise the Lord for all His goodness.
LikeLike
you’re welcome…..that’s what blogs are about right…..? Praise God that he may lead people to all our blogs and that all who read them will be enlightened!
LikeLike
wise words of encouragement! I volunteer at a library, and I have a habit of asking questions of people who don’t seem open to talking…..but I ask about them, the book their reading….their favorite story…and before I know it (with most) they are smiling before they leave….I’ve learned it’s not about handing out tracts or memorized bible verses….sometimes it’s just about the person….
LikeLike
I agree it isn’t just about handing out tracts. As a volunteer at a library you have a good opportunity to show friendliness and to ‘let your Light shine’. When our lives reflect the love of Christ and we are helpful and friendly, we have a ‘right’ to tell them WHY we are different – and very often the question of WHY we are so cheerful comes from the other person.
Personally, I would never be happy with people thinking *I* was helpful, friendly, kind etc. I would have to tell them WHY – that it is because of the Lord Jesus who has changed my life.
LikeLike
amen! by the way….I like any blog that talks about potatoes! :)
LikeLike
I love your blog!! You not only have uplifting things, but how to apply the issues you are blogging about. In what ways do I reflect the indwelling love and light of the indwelling Christ? I smile…a lot. I try to show grace to all even when people hurt me-I really have to rely on Christ to help.
LikeLike
Thank you optimisticgladness, and praise the Lord for the way He directs and gives the words to write.
Yes, we all have to rely on Christ, because only then can we show HIS love, mercy and grace. What a privilege to serve Him!
What an amazing God!
LikeLike
Good word, and practical examples. I was talking just last night with some men and we were talking about living authentically before our kids, and co-workers, and church friends – being the same in all groups. Nothing tarnishes that old pot more than the hypocrisy of an inconsistant life.
thanks much
Ben
LikeLike
So true Ben – and never more true than with our children. They see us in all circumstances. We need to be open with them, admitting times of failure and showing them the love of God in action in our own lives.
LikeLike
Amen!
LikeLike
You are so right Angela! All of us can be reflectors simply by being gracious in an ungracious world. Another way is by being kind to a waiter or waitress at a restraunt. Say “please” and “thank you” such a simple expression of kindness is almost non-existent in the service industry and tip well especially if you are leaving literature. Another way is to help a neighbor with a chore!
LikeLike
Yes J, you are so right. There are many instances, each day, when we can reflect the love of God to those we meet or even rub shoulders with. May we always radiate a true reflection of Him!
(I’m trying to catch up. We are back from Brisbane and somewhat disappointed. They were unable to stent hubby’s heart . . . too blocked/diseased. The Lord is still in control)
LikeLike
Thanks so much for sharing this post Angela. My soul is richly blessed. The pots and potatoes analogy is an excellent one. The copper pots represent us (Christians) and the potatoes represent those who are living in darkness. It is imperative that we (Christians) let the light of Jesus shine through us so that it can illuminate those who are living in darkness.
LikeLike
Yes Noel, I believe the need is greater than ever for those who are blood-bought, adopted children of the living God, to let their Light shine forth into a darkened world that is getting darker and darker. People need to see a true, pure Light and if our lives do not reflect that, they will remain in darkness.
LikeLike
I truly enjoyed the story of the copper pot reflecting light onto the potato! It is a wonderful analogous story, which brings to mind a beautiful image of the Light of the World being reflected through me. My heart’s desire. I want to spend time in His presence, so that the radiance of His glory will be up on my face! I want to spend time in His word, so that I will have the mind of Christ. If I am going to be the only Bible that someone will read, I don’t want them to struggle with reading the contents. Thank you for sharing the very practical ways that we are able to reflect His light, without even going out of the way to do it. There are many opportunities to share Jesus, in the daily routines of life. Another wonderful lesson, Angela! Thank you! May the Lord bless you, richly!
Paulette
LikeLike
Thank you Paulette. As the Lord shines from you here and in your daily life, I pray many will be drawn to Him.
We have the greatest of privileges in being His witness, and also the greatest of responsibilities. We need to show a clear picture, with no blurs or distortions. As you say, we need “to spend time in His presence, so that the radiance of His glory will be up on our face!”
We serve an amazing God who chooses to shine through His blood-bought, adopted children, to show His Light and draw them to Himself. May we be faithful to shine for Him!
LikeLike
Angela, you are so right… some of the smallest acts of kindness that we make towards others can make a big difference in their opinion of Christians and our Christ. Thanks so much for this very informative posting. May the Lord continue to bless you and your service for Him.
LikeLike
Thanks Rob. Those ‘small acts of kindness’ should be the natural outflowing of the Life and Light within us. When we allow Him His rightful place, we find such things to be automatic – but all too often we get tied up in our own little world and just don’t SEE the misery around us. ‘Lord, open our eyes and open our hearts. Give us Your love and Your words to reach the people You are calling to Yourself.’
LikeLike
I love this too, mentor Angela!! And that story of the copper pan reflecting light to the potatoes. So good!! Thank you for the ways you showed that we can reflect Jesus too . .excellent! One thing He has asked me to do is send little cards and notes to people.
Because I have my youngest with special needs, and I take her to her favorite places, over and over, to do the things she loves . . .I wondered that God was doing anything in it, or was I just spoiling her and wasting time and money. haha! But God, being so so gracious, gave me a glimpse of how even taking care of her and letting others see that, ministers to people. . .reflects Him. Just not in the way I was thinking I should.
God bless you as you shine for Him! love and prayers!
LikeLike
Debbie, you have an important ministry . . . (make that at least three).
As I started typing I was thinking of the ‘cards and notes’ ministry. In this age of emails, social media, cell phones, texting etc a “hard copy” card or note carries much more impact than it did years ago. It is a tangible evidence that someone cared enough to take pen to paper and I’m sure recipients appreciate you and see the Light which you reflect to them.
Your ministry to your daughter is possibly your greatest ministry and I’m sure it is a positive witness to those who see your love and attention. Your very deep ‘simple poems’ are an amazing ministry, as testified by so many here, including me. It is completely obvious that these words are given to you from the Lord. As I’ve said before, I’d love to be able to say soooooooo much in so few words!
I praise God for the Light shining forth from you and know that our amazing God will continue to bless you and use you to bless many others.
LikeLike
Absolutely LOVE this, Cloudwatcher! There are so many ways we can be a light to people we don’t know. And the really neat thing is in what you said: “They respond to the reflected light of Christ…” That is definitely true!
Blessings!
~Anna
LikeLike
Thanks Anna. Yes, it all comes down to the Light we reflect, for of ourselves, we can do nothing. Thank you for the Light you reflect. May many see our reflected Light this coming week.
LikeLike
I really like the ideas you’ve given for women to be able to share…and the question we need to ask ourselves as to whether we are even looking for people with whom to share.
A while back, I was particularly distressed because I had been reading some articles written by some who have a gift for evangelism. And, I was worried about whether I ought to pile all our children in the car and begin a door-to-door campaign or engage some other “big” undertaking. But my dear husband pointed out that the focus of the Great Commission is to make disciples–and evangelism is, although crucial, only a part of the overall calling. He said “Heather, you have 5 (now 6) to disciple on a daily basis. Concentrate on that first. So, I have been making this my main focus, as no one is likely to believe I know Christ when my own home is out of order while I’m frustrated, disconnected or depressed.
As I’ve asked the Lord to show me other opportunities, He has pointed out individuals at various times..such as every JW or Mormon missionary who knocks on my door. Overworked waitresses at restaurants also respond well to families who collectively reflect Christ’s light.
LikeLike
Your husband was right (as you know). Your biggest responsibility and privilege is to bring up your children to know and love the Lord and to disciple them.
I believe we are born to reproduce and born again to reproduce spiritually – BUT – we are not all called to be fiery evangelists. We should all evangelise by letting our Light shine, and should always be prepared to explain WHY we shine. We should all take every opportunity presented to share the Good News and that will sometimes include a straight-out evangelistic challenge. We are His ambassadors and are given the ministry of reconciliation, but it is ONLY as Holy Spirit works that our witness will have effect, so we are completely dependent on Him for our attitude, words and actions.
Thanks for sharing other opportunities. JW/Mormon door knockers are an obvious one. My challenge to them is asking them “Who is Jesus Christ?” When they say He isn’t God or is *A* god I tell them they are calling my best Friend a liar and I proceed to prove it.
A waitress is a good one, but not so much for me, as the only time I ever go to a restaurant, even for a cuppa, is when I’m travelling, which is seldom now. I wouldn’t think they usually have time to chat, but I’m sure they’d welcome happy, appreciative faces – and a well behaved family.
May we have – and use – many opportunities this week.
LikeLike