REFLECTING CHRIST
Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 2:21
Introduction
Making disciples of all nations is the mandate of the Christian Church. The Greek word ‘ecclesia’ which is translated as Church is in reference of the chosen ones of God. Christ commissioned the ‘called out ones’ to turn the ways of all nations to His way of life. To show the world the life style of Christ is to reflect Christ to others.
To reflect is to show off or throw back without absorbing the exact image or nature of original object. Let us consider the moon, it is clearly understood that the moon does not give light on its own but only reflects light from the sun. The moon is radiant only as it is in the right position to receive light from the sun. That is the way it is with us as well. Our lives are filled with light as we are in relationship with the Lord. When we face life with faith in Christ, then our faces will always be radiant.
When we talk about reflecting Christ, we are looking at how we make the beauty of Christ seen in us. We are not the source of the light but we position ourselves so well to be able to receive and reflect Christ’s light to all nations. In this case we are to demonstrate the exact image – character and attitude of Christ to others without distortion.
In order to disciple ‘all nations’ to emulate the lifestyle of Christ, we (the Church) are to demonstrate peace, love, holiness, righteousness, faith and the total life of Christ. Considering WWJD – What Would Jesus Do? Jesus went about healing the sick, proclaiming freedom for the oppressed and preaching the message of hope, unity, repentance and forgiveness.
The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore — you're the message! 1 Thessalonians 1:8
Paul writes on how the Thessalonian Church reflected Christ throughout the province and all the places by saying “Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word.” In other words, you are reflecting Christ in all the places. This was achieved not just by their preaching but he added,
“You paid careful attention to the way we lived among you, and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. 1 Thess. 1:5-6
GOD CALLS TO MAKE YOU
He appointed twelve — designating them apostles -that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”
Mark 3:14-15
God calls us first of all to be with Him. A call to personal relationship that is a personal encounter with Christ Jesus. The ‘Go’ in the great commission statement is to people who have responded positively to His call and have personal relationship with Him. It is only those who have personal relationship with Christ that can reflect Him.
“If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
1John 1:6,7
You cannot reflect light when you are indeed in darkness. You ought to follow Christ in order to reflect Him to this dark world. God is reaching out to you not to waste your life-time but to make it the best.
God is committed to transforming your life into an extra ordinary instrument of threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. He is ready to make you a useful vessel and an agent of His own reflection.
What God is set to make of you will be a clear miracle. A miracle to yourself and your generation. If a man becomes what people think he can become or what he has capacity to become, what then is the miracle? When God says He will “make you”, the ultimate results is beyond any human capabilities. Listen to what He says;
"Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. “See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff." Isaiah 41:14-15.
Beloved, how can a worm – spineless, boneless creature become a threshing sledge (instrument) with many teeth? In fact, there is no need of using a gun or machete to kill a worm. Just a finger can easily crush it. It is of wonder how this creature can become a sharp threshing instrument with many teeth. This worm is not just going to thresh corn or tomatoes but mountains and crush them. And reduce the hills to nothing but chaff. God calls to make a miracle out of you.
“…Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on I will make you fish for people.” Luke 5:10
Here, Jesus was going to make something out of a Barbarian - an uncultured brutish, an ordinary fisherman, and an illiterate. Think of why Jesus had to tell Peter not to fear. Peter was thinking of running away. He said to Jesus, “Go away from me”. You see, fear was going to end the new found relationship with Jesus. Fear prevents someone from becoming available for God to make her/him into what He promise. Fear does not allow anyone to ever trust God and follow Him. Fear makes you hold back and procrastinate on your goals. It is often fear that makes one say to Jesus, “not today, may be tomorrow”.
It is important to add that, God made Peter what He promised to make of Him. Some few years later, when he threw his ‘net’, he caught 3,000 men, women and children not counted (Acts 2:41). Fisher of men.
The Sanhedrin was put into a state of confusion realising the clear miracle of what has become of these Barbarians - Peter and John.
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13-21
It is not your rising through the academic ladder that makes you. It is your closer walk with Jesus the Christ. The Sanhedrin just concluded that “these men had been with Jesus”. This is because what you are presently - your weaknesses, in-capacities, shortfalls and all that surrounds your life will be totally transformed by God. And everyone will know that this is the handiwork of God. They came to this conclusion because Peter and John having been with Jesus reflected the very being of Christ to them.
Again, what God purposed to make of you is not about you. It is basically about God answering the cry rising to His abode. There are people who are thirsty to know Him. Nations that have been subjected to injustice, corruption and brutalities for years. There are issues crying for divine attention and God has decided to respond and wipe away their tears. His first point of call is to make the instruments with which to do the job. That is why He says; “I will make you…” There are things God will package into your life because it is time for Him to bring solution to the challenges of this generation.
My personal experience with God through Jesus Christ gives me no doubt that He can and will make you. I have already begun experiencing what He promised to make of me some years ago. So it gives me confidence that God is able to bring forth something good out of your life. No matter who you are presently, no matter how spineless, boneless or frail you are today, God is able and is willing to make “the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” (Isa. 41:18) What is your ‘wilderness’ and ‘dry land’ today?
Jesus says, stop fighting drunkenness, pornography, masturbation, sexual sins, lies, anger, unforgiveness, pride - stop struggling with all forms of sin. Just “come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).
My dear sister/brother, what you become in this generation depends on what you rise up to do in response to this call to be with Him – have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ today and He will make you.
Are you ready to respond to His call?
Are you ready to renew your covenant relationship with Christ today?
TRANSFORMED TO REFLECT CHRIST
Child of God, you are my brother/sister because we have one Father. You have received the Spirit of God and therefore must be led by the Spirit. Paul says,
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (Roman 8:12,13).
With your status as a Christian, there is an obligation for you to live according to the Spirit. “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” (Eph. 1:4)
“This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. 1 Peter 2:21
Now, note this, Christianity is a culture, therefore, there is the Christian way of life – “the kind of life Christ lived”. The Christian way of life must be nurtured in you in order that you do not live according to the flesh and die. Culture is said to be the attitude and behaviour characteristic of a particular social group who are identified by dressing, symbols, food, language, norms, values, artifacts etc. And these are the very things that identify individuals to their clan, tribe, family and groups. Christianity is not different.
The elements of Christian culture also identify you as a Christian - member of God’s family. Likewise, there are some elements that identify one as a follower of Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius or being an atheist. The way of life and beliefs of these groups of people distinguish them from each other. Therefore, there is the Christian way of life, if one does not reflect them, then it becomes so obvious that the person does not belong to us (God’s family). The Bible says, “No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him.” (1John 3:6). As Christian, you ought to reflect Christ.
As individuals are taught and nurtured in their culture, in the same way, one cannot live the new life until one goes through the discipling process. Well implemented plan on discipleship brings about transformation from the old and sinful way of life to Christ-likeness.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Remember, it is the transformed mind that is able to test and approve what God’s will is – that is Christ’s way of life.
REMOVE THE DROSS TO REFLECT CHRIST
“Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel.” Prov. 25:4
“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons… and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.” Malachi 3:3
“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honourable use, some for dishonourable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonourable, he will be a vessel for honourable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” 2Tim. 2:20,21.
There is a glorious material that can be transformed to bring a great revival that has never been felt. Meanwhile, it is clogged in a cluster of rubbish. You are to take away the dross from the silver for the silversmith to have a material for a vessel. Many people have not had their prayers answered because you are the very channel God is going to use to answer them yet you are clogged up with dirt and cannot be honourably used. God’s work is in shortage of labourers (Matt. 9:37) since the men and women to be used have not purged themselves for good works.
Removing the dross is your responsibility. When will you finish removing the dross in your life? When will you purge yourself of all the things that reduce you to the level of impotence and ignobility? Paul tells Timothy, ‘if a man therefore purges himself…’ You may have been praying that God purges or cleanses you, but the Apostle tells us that this matter of taking the dross is your responsibility. Yes! Indeed you are responsible to take away the dross in your life.
There may be a girl or a guy in your life and that relationship has clogged up much dross in you - today you are up, tomorrow you are down. You have to remove that dross by fleeing from such relationships.
Are you addicted? For instance to a film or series. They take your time, they occupy your heart! You are supposed to be a serious lady or gentleman of God in the place of prayer and study of the Word but the addiction prevents you. Instead of dealing with it you give excuses such as; but there are some moral lessons in it? What moral lesson do you learn from a film that you cannot learn from the Bible? And it has now become addiction to consume your precious time. Listen to Paul,
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” Titus 2:11,12
You have the grace now to cut it off. You have the grace now to say ‘No’ if you want to say ‘No’ to sin. You have the grace to end that matter because Jesus broke the power of sin at the cross. This is the reason the Man of Calvary went to the Cross, so make it worthy.
Paul writes to Timothy about vessels in a great house. Some are for honourable use and some dishonourable use and says, “But if a man purges himself from the ignoble, he will become a vessel for noble use”.
This is same in the House of God today, there are many people but many cannot be used for any good purpose. Could it be that you are there and God is still looking for a woman/man to use?
Since the life of this generation is at stake and people are perishing, you don’t have all the time to gently play with your dross. Take them off now!
Do not merely bury yourself in and Church activities and positions but never making spiritual progress. Rick Warren says, “Nothing matters more than knowing God’s purpose for your life, and nothing can compensate for not knowing them.” God wants you to become a tangible instrument in His hands and He is eager to begin that process. He is waiting to make you into a powerful instrument in His Kingdom.
Discipleship is just like the process of making the the raw material ready to be used for a useful vessel. Therefore, discipleship really does not make much progress as long as the dross is not completely removed. The material for the silversmith only becomes available for Him to work when the dross is completely removed. It is at the point of total removal of the dross that you become a vessel that God uses – to fully reflect Christ.
REFLECTING CHRIST TO TRANSFORM NATIONS
Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:19-20
The Church exist for the following functions;
1. Worship God
2. Nurture the people of God and
3. Do Missions and Evangelism
Of these three (3) foundational functions of the church, Nurture becomes the central function. This is because, the quality of Worship and Missions are derived from the quality of Nurture.
The task of making disciples of all nation would only be effective if nurture – which is teachings in the church is well placed.
The church can be described in two ways; i) the gathered church and ii) the scattered church. The gathered church is where we congregate to fellowship as we learn and admonish ourselves by the Word. The scattered church is where the fellowship breaks and the individuals disperse to their various place of residence, work, school etc. The Church (scattered) now goes into the society or community with the task of making the people Disciples of Christ by reflecting Christ. Paul writes,
"The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia — your faith in God has become known everywhere. 1 Thess. 1:8
The life of the Thessalonians ‘scattered church’ had been the aroma of Christ in the entire province. The church has been called to go to the streets, market places, schools, parliament house, companies, and business firms to reflect Christ to the people all over. God takes us where we are and brings each person on our way for one major purpose – that we may reflect Christ to them always. God has reasons for taking you to the school where you are – 1. To know Christ and 2. Make Christ better known.
Reflecting Christ is not the same as flashing Christ. Some persons are seasonal Christians that is like the thermometer - changes by the environment. They are Christians as long as things are good – there is money, food in the chop box, parents care, grades are good and so on. Meanwhile, they switch off when things are difficult for them – no money, no food, family does not visit, grades go down etc. Listen, the Bible says, “God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him to see what was really in his heart.” (2Chronicles 32:31) You will be tested by major changes, unfulfilled promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism and even senseless tragedies. In all these and more, reflecting Christ is a must.
The Church is called to reflect Christ and be the prophetic voice of all nations. After being with Christ, He sends us out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons (Matt. 3:13,14). Jesus affirms this authority by saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matt 28:18)
The authority to transform society and all nations no matter how bitter or the darkness they may be, lies in your hands as true disciples of Jesus the Christ. We can make this possible if we accept our full role as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Jesus says,
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
Salt dissolves to transform for instance, entire pot of soup. In the same way, the Church must therefore “dissolve” in the world, that is, reflect Christ so that the world may see our good deeds and glorify our Father. We cannot pretend to be living on another planet and show no concern about the issues around us – be involved to transform. The church is the prophetic voice of the nation, we must provide God’s direction to nations or we all run into the gutter.
Again, the Church cannot draw lines between our church life and social life, they are one and same. Some students have double lives – home life and school life. When that happens it means there is a point in your life you cease to shine or be tasteful – “no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”
As salt, we are expected to bring to this bitter world our beautiful taste and preserve all nations from decay. As the light of the world, presages the idea that we are here to drive away darkness and bring vision to the people of the world.
Listener Kids, a song writer and a singer writes, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine… Jesus is the light, I’m gonna let Him shine…”
The question therefore is not whether or not Christians should get involved in the agenda of the world. The Bible does not permit us to stand unconcerned. It is purely not about complaining but reflecting Christ to transform the corrupt institution you find yourself. Our task is to influence opinions, characters, and policies in the various sectors God sends us, to facilitate the process of transformation. This by reflecting Christ Jesus to provide vision and taste to others.
Once there was a drowning cat and a swinging monkey…
REFLECTING CHRIST
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Phil 2:1-5
As Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II celebrates his 20 years anniversary on the Golden Stool. I have come across many portraits of some of the early Chiefs from 1570 onwards, which artists have painted. How do we know the artists accurately represented them? Since we do not have photographs to compare them to.
Something similar might be happening with the likeness of Christ. Without realizing it, those who believe in Him are leaving an impression of Him on others. This time not with brushes and paints, but with attitudes, actions, and relationships. Are we painting a portrait that represents the likeness of Christ’s heart? This is what Paul says, “In your relationship with one another, “…have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” With a desire to accurately represent our Lord Jesus Christ, he urges his true disciples to reflect the humility, self-sacrifice and compassion of Christ for others. It is said that, “We are the only Jesus some people will ever see.” Therefore, reflecting Christ will give the world the right portrait of Him.
Reflecting Christ brings glory to God. Jesus says, “I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to do.” When anything in creation fulfills its purpose on earth, it brings glory to God. As disciples, there are many ways we can reflect Christ to bring glory to God.
1. Reflecting Christ by worshiping Him.
Worshiping God in truth and in Spirit is our first responsibility and purpose as I have already mentioned. Our worship must be motivated by love, thanksgiving and delight not duty. Christ is most reflected when we are most satisfied in Him.
Worship is beyond the praises, prayers and attendance to meetings. Worship is a lifestyle of enjoying God, loving Him and giving ourselves to be used for His purpose. In fact, worship is a culture of a true disciple. When you use your life to reflect Christ, everything you do becomes an act of worship.
2. Reflecting Christ by loving other believers.
As I said earlier, you are my brothers and sisters because you have believed and received Christ. Being a disciple is not just a matter of believing; it also includes belonging to God’s family and learning to love the family. John writes, “Our love for Christian brothers and sisters, proves that we have passed from death to life.” 1 John 3:14. Paul says, “Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” Rom 15:7-8.
It is our responsibility to learn how to love as God loves us, because God is love. Jesus says, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35.
3. Reflecting Christ by becoming like Christ.
Once we are born again into God’s family, we are expected to grow into spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity is becoming like Christ in the way we think, feel and act. The more you develop Christ like character, the more you reflect Christ. We read from Paul, “As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more.” 2 Cor. 3:18
God gave you a new life and nature when you accepted Christ, behold the old things have become new. God wants to continue the process of changing your attitude and character to be like Christ. The Bible says, “May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.” Philippians 1:11
4. Reflecting Christ by serving others with our gifts.
Each of us is uniquely shaped and designed by God with talents, gifts, skill and abilities. These were not done by God for our selfish purpose but to benefit others just as others abilities were given to benefit you. Peter writes, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another … Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11.
Remember, you are an answer to someone’s prayers if only you will reflect Christ.
5. Reflecting Christ by telling others about Him.
“…And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.” 2 Corinthians 4:15
The love and beauty of God must not be kept in secret. Once we know the truth, He expects us to share it with others. It is a great privilege – introducing others to Christ, helping them discover their purpose and preparing them for their eternal destiny.
Conclusion
A man sat at a roadside food joint and in a moment felt a nice aroma…
