LOOK IN THE MIRROR DO YOU LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?
When you look at a mirror what do you see? Do you see the mirror or do you see what the mirror reflects?
Does it reflect light or darkness?
2 Corinthians 3:18. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the spirit of the Lord.
Here is another translation of 2 Corinthians 3:18. And we, with our unveiled faces, reflecting like mirrors the brightness of the Lord, all grow brighter and brighter as we are turned into the image that we reflect. This is the work of the Lord who is Spirit.
So one says, “beholding as in a mirror”, and another says, “reflecting like mirrors. “ Which one is right? One translation implies contemplating what you see. The other implies you are the mirror reflecting the image.
The answer is they may both be right. You say, “How can they both be right?” Well the verb originally used was Katoptrizo, and it can be translated either way. Which meaning did the author, Paul intend? He was relating being a Christian to the experience of Moses on Mount Sinai as we can see earlier in 2 Corinthians 3.
In Exodus 34, we see that when Moses returned off the Mountain after being with God and beholding God’s glory his face reflected the glory of God.
Beholding God leads to becoming more Christ like and this leads to reflecting God’s glory or light.
What do you do when you behold something? Is it a quick glance or just a casual look? I think it means to study or to stare or contemplate.
How might you behold, study or contemplate God today? How could you study and contemplate what God’s glory is? Well Jesus is the Word that became flesh, so to READ AND STUDY THE BIBLE you are beholding, or studying Jesus who is God in the flesh.
If the mirror is covered with dirt and grime what do you see? Does it reflect a true image?
Sin or disobedience of God in our lives is like dirt on our mirror. It makes us reflect a poor image of God to others.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says we are to be God’s ambassadors. When an ambassador of a country does something wrong how does it make the country look? Even if the behavior does not represent the country, it is how outsiders will perceive the country. It is not a true reflection of the country.
Does it say in 2 Corinthians 3: 18 to absorb God’s glory or light, or to reflect God’s glory or light?
Should we keep all that God gives us for our own benefit?
Of course not! Reflect it out to others! Matthew 5:16. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Does it say so they will praise you? No, it's not about you.
We can see in 1 Peter 4:7-11. We are to glorify God by the way we treat others and glorify God with a lifestyle worthy of Him.
You are stranded on an island. You are going to use a mirror (by reflecting the light of the sun) to send a S.O.S. signal to a ship to rescue you.
What if the mirror had a mind of its own? Instead it would choose to send its own message. If it had a big ego it would say “look at me.” Instead of save me. If it was insecure it might not want to be seen and not send a message at all.
You can be a mirror to reflect God’s light. Don’t let your insecurities, ego, or pride get in the way. Let God be in control of you and send the message through you that truly reflects His glory and light to others.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12. We pray that God may count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith with power. That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and you in Him, according to the grace of our God
