Reflected Images by N. Y. Witness

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 21, 1886

Reflected Images.

By N. Y. Witness

THERE is a very suggestive alteration in one important passage of Scripture in the revised New Testament. In 2 Cor. 3:18, the Authorized Version reads as follows:—

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

The Revised Version reads:—

"But we all, with unveiled face reflecting as a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Spirit of the Lord."

If by glass in the first quotation is meant looking-glass, or mirror, for there was no glass in those days, then the image seen in it would be that of the person looking at it, which could not change him from glory to glory; but if his face is the mirror at which Christ is looking, and if he reflects the image of his Lord to all who behold him, then indeed his aspect will be changed from glory to glory. This last reading brings into prominence one of the most important functions of the Christian, namely, to reflect in all his intercourse with his fellow-men his Lord's image. More of his usefulness depends on this point than any one can estimate.

To carry about in the open face a mirror, reflecting Christ, is an inconceivably valuable gift, both for self and all around. To be in one's character, and conduct, and conversation, an epistle of Christ, to be known and read of all men, should be the Christian's aim. To be even as Christ in the world, is what he enjoins; but few seem to understand. The duty and privilege of reflecting as a mirror the Lord Jesus is sadly neglected by the moody Christian, who, like an iceberg, chills all around him. Also by the irascible Christian, who loses his temper readily and indulges in irritating language. Nor is it remembered by the drinking Christian, whose fiery face suggests his failing. Nor by the smoking Christian, who, to indulge an injurious acquired taste, disregards the taste and comfort of all around him.

Neither is Christ seen in the Christian who vies with worldlings in costly apparel and ornamentation. Nor in the envious Christian, nor the tyrannical Christian, nor the hard, miserly Christian, nor the backbiting Christian, nor any one who allows the devil, the world, and the flesh to deface the fair image of Christ on his or her character, and presents instead an ugly portrait of the prince of this world. The influence of a Christian who reflects Christ is very great and lasting for good. The influence of one who misrepresents Christ is, perhaps, equally great for evil. Such a one may himself be saved so as by fire, but he is a terrible stumbling-block for others.—N. Y. Witness.