Solar Power

Mirrors....reflectors of light.  We are told to think of ourselves as mirrors that reflect the light of Jesus.  But what happens to a mirror when it is placed in a dark corner?  Absolutely nothing.  You can no longer see that it even exists unless and until a light is shined on it.
I was thinking about this as I read Philippians 2:15.  So many thoughts went through my mind, I had to stop, take a breath and do a minute of research to make sure the thoughts were coming from God and not my flesh.
Here is what the verse says, though I am going back a verse to make it more clear:
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world. {NASV}
Here's the thing.  At the time of the Bible being written, a mirror was their best analogy in regards to reflecting God's light.
 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. I Corinthians 13:12 (NIV)
Today we have a better one - solar powered lights.  These amazing things are powered by a battery that absorbs the sun's rays and then converts it into energy for the light itself.
This is much better than the mirror analogy, because of what happens to a mirror when it is placed in a dark corner.  It can no longer reflect light, so it remains dark. A solar powered light will absorb the light, then reflect it back out even in the darkest of places, because it is powered by the light it absorbed. It has transformed the light into power.
Many a Christian is like the mirror.  As long as they remain in God's Son light, they are great reflectors.  But the moment any darkness creeps upon them, they can no longer shine.  They only know how to reflect.  But the Christian who takes time to sit at Jesus' feet and absorb His words into their very being becomes empowered by His light.  Our minds become transformers for His glory and when the darkness comes, we are ready to shine.
Do not conform 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 (NIV)
Another really great thing to think about is that when many Christians who choose to be transformers rather than simple reflectors band together, the Light they pour forth can eradicate the darkness.  This is what we are called to do.
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.  But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:23-25
 ( NIV)
Mirrors cannot absorb and so when the light is gone, not only is the reflection forgotten, but so is the mirror for a time, until it is needed again.  Oh that we would all chose transformation over reflection!